By Joseph Sherman
Washington, D.C. U.S.A

The alleged defamation law suit issued by President –Elect, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on Mr. Tom Woewiyu is sending wrong signals to Liberians and distracting the newly elected government from the main reason why they are elected.  The Unity Party (UP) government was elected to rule, unite and reconcile the country and not stray into the terrain that is irrelevant to the promotion of democracy, reconciliation and unity in Liberia. 

Going dirty is a history of negative campaigning in politics, and examination and criticism of a candidate’s past is a controversial technique that any seasoned politician has to cope with when political campaigns hits up.  Issuing a lawsuit on Mr. Woewiyu, because of criticism of the president’s past with the NPFL begs the question whether President Ellen-Johnson Sirleaf will be tolerant to criticism during her tenure in office.   

Prosecuting political opponents or critics of your past is at best a betrayal of the spirit of reconciliation which Liberians are yearning for after years of misrule, dictatorship and 14 years of fratricidal war.  Years of misrule, dictatorship and fledging democracy in Liberian enabled the people to choose their president.  The purpose was that the president should govern the country and ensures that unity, reconciliation, and the green shoots of democracy are well nurtured so that it will flourish. 

The rough road to reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconciliation awaits the president-elect, initiating witch-hunting and vindictiveness at this time is not healthy for the traumatized and disoriented people of Liberia.  What this government needs to do is to focus its machinery in ensuring that its own people and appointed government officials should not be seen to be engaging in dubious deals.  There are several people who are even wondering if this prosecution of perceived enemies continues whether the government will find the time to deliver a better system of justice to Liberians.  The government must focus on dealing with the present and future issues.  That is why it was elected.