At no point has any society taken bold steps forward socially, culturally and economically where the spirit of national loyalty remains dormant.
Loyalty is to any society like salt is to the soup without which no soup is deliciously defined and refined. Loyalty means a lot to society and its people.
In the absence of national loyalty, disunity and selfishness automatically become the way of life; something which is obviously undercuts the fabric of peace and stability; causes social hazard.
It can historically be recounted that in the past, loyalty played a powerful and complex role in the history and development of Liberia. In many ways, it has shaped politics, leadership, community life, and even conflict including loyalty in traditional society.
Before modern politics, so to say, loyalty in Liberia was rooted in: family and clan ties, chiefdom authority, cultural and spiritual bonds.
In traditional communities as well as respect for elders, obedience to chiefs, and protection of one’s people. This created unity and social stability.
In our current political history, loyalty has often been personal rather than institutional as leaders expect strong allegiance from supporters.
At present, political appointments mostly favor loyalty over competence. The idea of “Who knows you” reflecting loyalty to powerful individuals rather than to systems.
While loyalty can build strong support, when misplaced it may lead to corruption, nepotism and weak institutions.
However, loyalty becomes dangerous when it is blind in nature only aimed at personal interest. For Liberia to grow stronger, loyalty must be rooted in
patriotism; loyalty not just to leaders, but to the nation and its future.