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Liberia: 161st Independence Day Orator wants Liberia history rewritten
Jul 29, 2008
by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer

After the pronouncement of Government that the 161st Independence Day Orator would have been a visually impaired individual, may viewed his presence as a sympathetic occasion judging from the activities of blind people in Liberia. But the well prepared and researched speech delivered by Dr. Sakui Malakpa reawakened the minds of intellectuals especially those who have consistently argued over some controversy and alienation of some segments of the Liberian history.

Dr. Malakpa did not only impose suggestions or assertions on Liberians, he challenged Liberians to go beyond speech presentation and evaluate the historical origin of Liberia beyond the repatriation of American slaves and their establishment of the Republic of Liberia.

In Dr. Malakpa’s presentation, he called for the change in the name of Monrovia to reflect Liberia’s indigenous past. He however indicated that same was done in Mozambique where the name of the post colonial capital was changed to Maputo. Ordinary Liberians are yet to understand the actual role played by former United States President James Monroe in whose name Monrovia was named. Liberian historians have placed sufficient praises to James Monroe in several of their books used in the Liberian school system.

Dr. Malakpa spelled out some roles played by former U.S President James Monroe in Liberia which he termed as selfish and unfriendly. He said James Monroe totally disliked the black race and as others did, used the blacks as slave and morally degraded their existence. He also called for Liberian languages and cultural traditions to be incorporated into the curriculum of schools in Liberia. Past and present Governments have ignored the active inclusion of indigenous languages in schools thereby diluting the activities in the cultural activities in our country. How do we identify each other as Liberians in a single accord?

He also called for unity and reconciliation, an appreciation of country’s diversity, and a rewriting of Liberia’s history. He reminded Liberians that history must clarify, transform, and empower people to move beyond past wrongs.

Although under debate at the National Legislature, Dr. Saku Malakpa proposed dual citizenship as policy directive that will further encourage Liberians in the Diaspora, like himself, to engage the country in a more meaningful way. The recommendation many have viewed as unnecessary.

Dr. Saku Malakpa, a visually impaired Liberian Professor and Lawyer is based at the University of Toledo in Ohio (USA). He is a graduate of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He spoke on the theme: “Hope on the inevitability of change; challenges, chances, choices”. He thanked the Liberian Leader President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for a once in a lifetime opportunity, and said that she was “first among equals”. He also paid tribute to the late President William Tolbert for sponsoring his education after the death of his parents and the development of his blindness at the age of 16.

Dr. Malakpa was conferred the award of “Knight Grand Commander in the Humane order of African redemption (KGC/HOAR) by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The honor is classified as Liberia’s highest distinction.

A delegation of Africa Forum also graced the celebration. Five former Heads of States namely, His Excellency Joaquin Alberto Cissano, former President of the Republic of Mozambique and Chairperson of the Forum. His Excellency Nicephore Dieudonne Soglo, former President of the republic of Benin and Vice President of the Forum; His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, former President of Ghana; His Excellency Samuel Daniel Shafiishuna Nujoma, former President of the Republic of Namibia; and His Excellency Quett Ketumile Joni Masire, former President of the Republic of Botswana.

The Africa Forum comprised of 35 former Heads of States. Chief Zanzar Karwo, Chairman of the Traditional Council of Liberia gowned each of the former African Leaders.

About the Author:
Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his hard hitting investigative journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@theliberiantimes.com.