Emmanuel Wetee, Chairman of the Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship in the Americas, has called on Liberians abroad to come home and vote for members of the National Legislature who supported the passage of the dual citizenship bill, as well as President George M. Weah, whose office the bill emanated from. Wetee also called on diaspora Liberians to extend support to individuals contesting legislative seats who supported the bill come October 10, 2023.
Wetee underscored that a Liberian is always is a Liberian.
He made the call recently at a dual citizenship meeting held in Minessotta, United States of America.
When questioned about the key objectives of the just-ended meeting, the Chairman of the Organization of Liberians In Minessotta (OLM) noted that the meeting’s key objective was to notify Liberians on the operationalization of the definition of the Dual Citizenship Act law.
Since the passage of the Dual Citizenship Act in Liberia, many Liberians have begun smiling. It is like the act has brought some degree of relief to the disropra community. Since the passages of the law, many Liberians abroad have begun embarking on major construction and other investments in their home country.
Against this backdrop, Chairman Wetee deems it necessary to call on Liberians abroad to remember participating in their home country’s electoral process.
According to him, it is an honor and privilege as well because since 1974 Liberians have been prevented from participating in their domestic affairs while based in the diaspora. Wetee said since 1974 administrations had refused to pass the law.
“President Weah and his leadership did their best in the passages of this long-awaited dual citizenship law. We grade them an ‘A’ plus for the level of effort made,” he mentioned.
Liberians based in the diaspora can now purchase passport, own property, have the right to contest in public election and vote, serve in public positions, among others rights. Prior to the passages of this law, Liberians abroad were prohibited from doing so.
In closing, he said their support for supporters of the law shows their level of gratitude toward the implementation of the Dual Citizenship Act in Liberia. “Liberians can now feel free to come and be a part of national issues and give their quota, too,” he said.