By Pewu Y. Sumo
Monrovia – One of Liberia’s brightest minds and an Oxford-schooled stalwart of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) Wantoe Teah Wantoe today, September 1, in a statement of clarification said he did not at any time made claims that former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf donated money or items towards the construction of CDC new party headquarters.
Wantoe in a Facebook statement said, “It has been brought to my attention that there are claims suggesting I stated that Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf donated money to the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) during my recent appearance on Spoon Talk.”
“I wish to make it absolutely clear that at no time did I confirm, authenticate, or make such a statement”, Wantoe said on his official Facebook handle.
The Oxford scholar said during his appearance on the Spoon Talk, he spoke on the unified nature of the CDC following the demolition of the party’s headquarters and highlighted the collective ambition to deliver a future home, for which former President George M. Weah has already established a committee.
“My remarks were centered solely on our unity and vision for rebuilding, not on attributing donations to any individual”, Wantoe said.
Wantoe furthered that the CDC as a party has moved beyond the rubble of demolition and is now focused on a restorative journey, building not just brick and mortar but a headquarters that embodies the dreams and carries the vision of the movement into the future.
“I also duly appreciate the invaluable platform and the important role Spoon continues to play in shaping national discourse”, he said, He however, stressed that, “it is important that this clarification be made”.
He said, “CDCians are focused on strengthening our institution, safeguarding our legacy, and ensuring that our movement remains resilient in the face of challenges.”
The CDC strongman concluded by saying, “Any misinterpretation of my comments should therefore be disregarded.”
The statement that former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf had donated a cash of US$15,000 and 1,000 bags of cement to the CDC for its new party headquarters construction stirred debate and let to a phone-in interview by OK FM’s Julius Jeh.
Madam Sirleaf, responding to the allegation said such talks are “nonsense”.
“Those people who put this crap, this nonsense on social media must just love my name”, Madam Sirleaf said.
The former Liberian President said she had spent the past three days on her farm and had no knowledge of the information circulating in Monrovia.
“Anybody who put that crap out there, I say they are damn stupid”, furious Madam Sirleaf said, emphasizing, “just put it in the media that they are damn stupid and let everybody hear it just as I say it”.
Madam Sirleaf said in no time that anyone from the CDC reach out to her concerning its party’s headquarters construction.
“Never, never, no CDC person has reached me on no support. They have no reason to call me for support”, Madam Sirleaf clarified.
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