Ceremonies marking the second inaugural anniversary of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have been taking place in Monrovia. Wednesday’s programs began with an Intercessory service at the first United Methodist Church in Monrovia, preceded by a parade throughout the principal streets of Monrovia.

President Sirleaf (L) & V. P. Boakai (R)

At Wednesday’s intercessory service, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf thanked Liberians and the country’s partners in progress for the level of progress the government has made in two years. The President, according to an Executive Mansion release, observed that Liberians can today celebrate the progress and the important first steps of national renewal due to the peace the country continues to enjoy.

The celebration, the Liberian leader said, must be claimed not by her, but by those who met in Accra and chose the path to peace. The President also lauded ex-combatants for helping to sustain the peace, by engaging in productive activities to improve their livelihood.

She said government is determined to create more job opportunities to put the country’s population to work, particularly the young people.

The President also acknowledged the role the religious community has played towards the promotion of peace in the country. It is their prayers, the Chief Executive said, that have helped the country along the road to national recovery.

The Liberian leader described as enormous the challenges facing the country, adding, “we must be willing to make the sacrifices and endure the difficulties to get the results.”

The President praised opposition political parties, civic groups and the press for their role in helping to promote democracy. Democracy she observed, is a difficult process, but must be tested everyday. The President renewed her government’s commitment to upholding the democratic ideals of freedom, where citizens will continue to exercise their rights without fear of reprisals.

In a related development, President Sirleaf has lauded her Vice President, Dr. Joseph Boakai for his loyalty and support, which she said, has helped to strengthen her administration. The leaderships of the House and Senate, the Chief Justice and Associate Justices, and all who have served in the administration, were also praised for their commitment. “We have improprieties in our midst that must be addressed,” the President acknowledged, but noted that sacrifices made by officials must be noted.

Wednesday’s celebrations, President Johnson Sirleaf concluded were particularly meant for the country’s children who now have a future of hope and promise. “We can say what we’ve done and what we will do, belongs to you,” the Liberian leader concluded.

The President and officials later participated in celebrations at the ruling Unity Party headquarters on Broad Street before joining a cultural display and extravaganza at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium, where the Liberian leader joined thousands of supporters and well-wishers in celebrating her second year in office as Liberia and Africa’s first elected female President.

Wednesday’s events were climaxed with a reception at the Foreign Ministry, attended by Cabinet ministers, Legislators, Community Heads, and other invited guests.

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Source: The Liberian Government

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