Saliho Donzo, Author

AS IT IS OFTEN SAID , “ the race is not to the swift, but he who endures, not just to the end, but to the very , very end ...” This statement reminds me of the recent political scuffle in Liberia wherein every politician is exploiting whatsoever he/she can just to get what he wants…
GREAT PEOPLE OF THIS NOBLE DISTRICT, I greet you with heartfelt felicitations in the quest of a better district. Today, my attention has been captured by the great and noble people of sound reasoning stretching from the Double Bridge region extending towards every segments of what is now called District Number Two (D2). A region/district possessing a population of 33, 738 (thirty three thousand seven hundred, thirty eight) registered voters, and I would presume that more than eighty percent of you took to the streets today, albeit causing congestion of pedestrian as well as automobile traffics in the district as you euphorically shouted words of praises at a campaign launching ceremony in Jacob Town by Mr. Sekou Saran-Forday Kenneh - your Representative in waiting – some might say.
Why did Garnerville stand still?
OVER THE PAST WEEKS , as the political fray/battle for leadership continues especially for the position of representatives in District Number Two (D2), many names have surfaced on the scene, but two of the many names sound sharp in the HEART of many; Jimmy Smith, and Mr. Sekou Saran-forday Kanneh both previously from the ruling Unity Party (U.P).
BUT MR. SMITH, LATER “crossed carpet” to the opposition Congress For Democratic Change (CDC), after being defeated by Mr. Kanneh in their party primary .
WITH OUT DELAY, and in less than four days I think, the CDC; which happens to be the purported second strong political party in Liberia accepted him and allowed him to run on their ticket for the same district (No.2) as their representative, thus betraying a partisan who has been loyal to the party (CDC) for the last six years. This event created an intense pandemonium/tension within the CDC, and in the eyes of many Liberians as well, bringing some to the conclusion that, political parties in Liberia are out for mere hoax/joke at the detriment of the downtrodden Liberian masses.

BESIDES, MANY IN THE district over the past years perceived Mr. Smith as an individual who cannot live by his promises.

ON THE OTHER HAND, MR. SARAN-FORDAY KANNEH has served in reputable roles in several government agencies/departments; including the Ministry of Commence & and the National Port Authority of Liberia, and is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Of Don-Kan Filling Stations in Liberia – a growing, ethics driven and successful Liberian petroleum retail company. Mr. Kanneh’s business ventures have created numerous employment opportunities for numerous unemployed, deprived and economically inactive young Liberians of diverse tribal and religious backgrounds; thus lifting them out of poverty, deprivation and idleness, and setting them on path for better career prospects, wealth creation opportunities and a brighter future.
The aspirant representative’s business ventures and their resultant positive socio-economic changes, especially in District Number Two, are only matched by his numerous humanitarian and philanthropic undertakings as well as his advocacies for social justice which have equally impacted the lives of many Liberians, young and old; particularly in District Number Two, and have earned him a well deserved place among a rare breed of true altruists and champions of equality and social justice of our time. These attributes of his have served as a “force of gravity” pulling people and supports in his direction with quite understandable anticipations that if afforded the opportunity to represent his people in a decision making role on the national stage, he will surely impact the lives of many.
IN ADDITION, and as far as the modern history of Monrovia is concern, District Number Two is regarded as the “stronghold” for Mandingos residing in Monrovia. Arguably, the ruling Unity Party’s choice of candidate for District Number Two may have been influenced, to some extent, by this factor. It may also suffice to argue that although the Liberian president herself may have an immense interest in Mandingo votes, but she’s equally interested in ensuring that the people of District Number Two are represented by a true and capable son of theirs; hence her support for Mr. Kanneh. Conspiracy theories and negative stereotypes orchestrated by some politicians might only serve to divide a solid voting block and splinter votes; thus leading to detrimental consequences, albeit unintended. It is therefore up to registered voters of District Number Two to stand up and make their votes count in their own interest by using them wisely.
Although Liberia is officially and constitutionally a secular state, but the mere fact, according to our history, that the Declaration of Independence was signed in a church, coupled with the fact (or my crude statistics) that one religion dominates all other religions numerically, Liberia is now virtually a “one-religion” state. Christian holidays are all observed, by law, as national holidays. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this as long as similar regards are accorded to other major religions of the land. We surely need law makers of substance who can reach out across the aisle and rally the supports of their peers from diverse backgrounds to push forward with these and many other needed changes in our society. With solid and verifiable records in working for equality and diversity, ensuring community cohesion and social justice, reaching out across the aisle to people of diverse backgrounds to yield positive results, and his exceptional knowledge of the needs and aspirations of the Liberian people and the people of District Number Two in particular, it will be expedient to vote in Mr. Sekou Kanneh as your representative.
It goes without saying that Mr. Sekou Kanneh is tried and tested, and is the unifying element of your district who also believes equality for all.

Saliho Donzo
Mamba Point
Monrovia, Liberia
donzonic2g3@yahoo.com