The Political Leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Dr. Daniel E. Cassell, has declared an advocacy of war against failed and greedy Liberian politicians who spent several decades in politics deceiving eligible voters during electioneering periods to satisfy their personal aggrandizement.
Dr. Cassell called on Liberians to be mindful of these “failed, self-seeking” politicians, who are only visible during electioneering period to entice them with finances and other material things to elect them, observing that for too long vast majority of Liberian politicians have played on the minds of the citizens.
He made the comments when scores of residents of the PHP community pledged to work with him to move the community and Liberia at large forward.
According to Dr. Cassell, bulk of these politicians have nothing to show or point to as tangibles, despite spending several decades in politics, benefiting themselves and their family members.
“Politicians have played with your lives; the time they want your vote that’s the time they can come to you people and entice you. When somebody says they love you and cares for you, when you have problems they will be there; they will not wait for election. This fighting I am fighting so, I am not fighting for myself: it is because of you people that I am fighting. I want you to join me and the PLP, and let’s work together to transform the lives of our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children and say enough is enough,” Dr. Cassell noted.
He pointed out that his ambition to contest the Liberian presidency is not intended to acquire a job in the public sector or to embezzle public funds, but is a response to the calling of God to help transform Liberia and its citizens.
“In 2017 I was doing humanitarian work because that is what God wanted me to do, and I am still doing it. But the change that we need in this country—it can only happen through politics; that’s why God asked me to go through politics to change our country and the lives of our people. All they can say is that ‘I been in politics for 20 or 30 years’, but they (failed politicians) have done nothing,” he said.
He noted that these failed politicians, some of whom are now serving in government, are not public servants, but “self-servants” on a spree to amass wealth, at the detriment of those who elected them. He indicated that most often these public officials, who are expected to work and serve in the interest of the citizens, are only bent on amassing wealth, while those who stood in the rain and sun to elect them continue to suffer.
Dr. Cassell emphasized that it is quite frustrating and disappointing for failed public officials to come back during electioneering period to distribute their ill-gotten resources to the electorate through different means and forms.
He lamented that most of these officials continue to give “deaf ears” to the plight confronting the Liberian people, even though addressing some of these challenges fall in line with their scope of duty and responsibility.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cassell has vowed to be the voice of the voiceless and strength to the weak in Liberia. “We will continue to advocate for our people,” he maintained.
“The suffering that our people are going through, the dying they are dying because of simple illnesses and diseases that are not supposed to kill people—they are killing our people and they want us to shut up and these things continue to happen. But I want you people to know that anything that affects my country and people—I will go there and fight.”
He called on Liberians to constructively fight against societal ills, including social injustices, amongst others.
At the same time, Dr. Cassell has encouraged parents not to relent in disciplining their children in an effort to prepare them for the future.
He added that, despite the numerous challenges they continue to encounter, parents should strive and go the extra mile to provide educational opportunities available to their children—if they are to become successful in the future.
Dr. Cassell recounted the numerous difficulties his single mother encountered after the death of his father at the age of eight. He disclosed that scholarship opportunities were accorded him and his siblings and, as such, he remains blessed and grateful to God for the compassion he has been blessed with to continue to provide scholarship opportunities to needy Liberian citizens. “You don’t have to tell me your story because I went through the same sufferings you are going through,” the PLP leader empathized. “God sent me back to this country to make a difference. The things I am doing are not because I am into politics.”
He then pledged 25 scholarships to children of less fortunate Liberian citizens residing in the PHP community, with a commitment to expand the initiative and work with various groups to help address their challenges.
In separate remarks, leaders of the various youth, Muslim, and women groups commended Dr. Cassell for the fulfillment and launch of multiple initiatives intended to combat economic constraints and other difficulties citizens are faced with across Liberia.
They further pledged to support his dream and political institution, the PLP.