The Commander-in-Chief of the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL) Emmanuel Gonguio has charged the newly inducted officials of Montserrado County chapter of the EFFL to lead with integrity, courage, and a revolutionary spirit. He said their induction into the leadership of Montserrado County signifies the trust and confidence placed in them by comrades to lead.
Speaking at the induction ceremony on Monday, January 27, 2024, Gonquio encouraged the new officials to join the EFFL in a new progressive path; stating that leadership in the movement is not a privilege, but a responsibility, duty to uplift people and advance the vision of economic liberation.
The Commander-in-Chief of the EFFL said that Montserrado County, as the economic and political hub of the nation, holds a pivotal place in the struggle and it is here the voices of the masses echo the loudest, and it is here the movement must intensify the fight against exploitation, corruption and inequality.
“You, the leaders of Montserrado, are now at the forefront of this battle. The eyes of the nation are upon you, and the hopes of the people rest on your shoulders,” he said. Gonquio said the newly inducted leadership must fight for the citizens because Liberia’s abundant natural resources have been monopolized by a privileged few, leaving the majority in poverty and despair.
“We fight because every Liberian deserves access to quality education that empowers them to build a better future. Healthcare is a fundamental right and no one should suffer or die due to a lack of medical services; decent housing and safe living conditions should be available to every citizen, not just the wealthy,” he said.
The Commander-in-Chief of the EFFL, “We fight because the labor of Liberia’s people should be valued, and everyone deserves the dignity of fair wages and meaningful work, because corruption and exploitation continue to rob the nation of progress and fairness, because systemic inequality deprives the marginalized and voiceless of opportunities to thrive, because the wealth of our nation should be shared equitably to create prosperity for all, not just an elite minority, because economic liberation is the foundation for justice, freedom, and equality and because the future of Liberia belongs to its people, and we must dismantle systems that perpetuate oppression and suffering.”
CIC Gonquio said the mandate of the new leadership is to organize and mobilize, educate and empower, remain accountable, lead by example and advance the struggle. According to him, the EFFL is not just a political movement, it is a reflection of pain, hopes and dreams, and will challenge the status quo to demand a Liberia where wealth is shared, opportunities are equal, and justice prevails.
“The forces of greed and oppression will resist us at every turn. They will try to divide us, to weaken our resolve, and to silence our voices. But we must stand united, for united we are an unbreakable force,’ Gonquio said. He urged the new leadership to embrace truth as they match forward, shoulder to shoulder, to dismantle systems of exploitation and build a Liberia that works for its people, saying, the power of the people is greater than the people in power.
By Prince Saah
