PHILADELPHIA— The political landscape was jolted on Tuesday evening as Mulbah Morlu, in a stunning move, declared his resignation as the chairman of the Congress of Democratic Change (CDC). In a candid statement on The Saharaa, Morlu cited a pivotal factor in his decision: the diminishing prospects to effectively fulfill his role as the people’s chairman. “As a fervent advocate committed to the people, it is disheartening to encounter constraints that impede my ability to execute my responsibilities,” lamented Morlu.
Clarifying that he steps down from his chairmanship but remains a dedicated member of the party, Morlu raised eyebrows by choosing this critical juncture to make his exit.
Why the untimely departure?
Morlu asserted a resolute belief that the present moment dictated the right time for his resignation. The Saharaa’s sources hint at Morlu’s exhaustion, attributing it to the relentless marginalization he endured at the hands of the party’s standard-bearer and former president, George Weah. The fracture in their relationship became evident following a leaked audio recording in which Morlu criticized Weah two years ago.
In a parting letter, Morlu acknowledged the challenging six years he spent navigating the complexities of CDC’s governance. “Undoubtedly, I have faced numerous challenges. However, I hold no resentment towards anyone for these difficulties, and I do not desire conflict,” he asserted.
Behind Morlu’s decision
The implication is clear that internal strife within the CDC played a significant role in accelerating Morlu’s decision. Notably, Weah’s recent intervention to halt activities planned by Morlu for a retreat in Grand Bassa County proved to be a tipping point.
Weah’s message read: “I learned through social media and the press that you have organized a retreat of the CDC to be held in Grand Bassa County. As Standard Bearer, I was never consulted and therefore had no input in the organization and structuring of such a retreat. Also, several members of the Governing Council and the National Executive Committee have informed me that they too were not involved in the planning of said retreat.”
Continuing, Weah added: “Mr. Chairman, the constitution and Coalition document give the power of such decisions to the National Executive Committee and the Governing Council in the absence of a national convention. As head of the Governing Council, I will be convening a meeting of the council before February end at the National HQ to set the stage for an honest review of our recent electoral performance and reboot for the future. You are therefore asked to suspend all activities of the planned retreat until a final decision by the GC and the NEC is made.”
Weah highlighted another issue: “I also want to bring to your attention the recent leadership set up by the CDC Legislative Caucus. Again, that leadership was set up without any recourse or consultation with the leadership of the party and its relevant organs. Even some members of the CDC Legislative caucus were not informed nor did they participate in the exercise that led to the setting up of the leadership. As such, we as a party cannot recognize that leadership until the right things are done in keeping with the party’s protocols.”
The repercussions for CDC
Political pundits see Morlu’s resignation as a significant setback. Having steered the CDC for nearly six years, Morlu played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s strategies and fortifying its presence across the country with his distinctive political agenda.
Opinion polls in Bong and other counties indicate widespread disapproval of Morlu’s departure among partisans. On a local radio station in Bong County, many argue that the party’s focus should shift to regaining power rather than grappling with internal conflicts.
Before stepping down, Morlu shared with The Saharaa his plans for a nationwide tour to reinvigorate the hopes of partisans. However, the vacuum left by his departure now leaves the CDC contending with the challenge of selecting a successor, overshadowing other pressing issues within the party.
