FROM CORPORATE PROFESSIONALISM TO POLITICKING; 'AVANTGARDE', A VOUCHER TO Alexander B. Cummings PRESIDENCY.
Written by: Isaac-Tom Gborforweh Seeblee Jr.
A Student; A Learner.
"ABC, ABC", the mantras heard in every street corner, towns and villages, counties and the Republic overall.
Born and raised in Monrovia, CUMMINGS, schooled at the Cuttington University College in Suakoko Bong County before joining his family in the US where he earned his first degree in Finance and Economics at the Northern Illinois University and a Master in Finance at Clark-Atlanta University.
DIGGING DEEPER:
CUMMINGS has over 35 years of International Corporate-work experience, eventually retiring as Chief Administrator (CA) Coca-Cola International in 2016 which helped his preparation for Presidency in 2017 of which many termed as "JUST COME". He would go on to contest the presidency and attract the highest surprised votes count in the history of Liberia, making a "JUST COME" commanding the 4th highest votes cast in the general and presidential elections of Liberia 2017.
Upon graduation from Clark-Atlanta University, he returned home to Liberia and worked for two years particularly at the Liberian Development Bank LDB now known as LBDI until the 1970s. In the 1980s, CUMMINGS, returned to the US, to begin with, his international business career which took him to the United Kingdom, United States, Nigeria, Kenya where he lived in the 1990s, and South Africa where he resided until the 2000s.
CUMMINGS begin working for the Pillsbury Company in 1982, his last position being Vice President of Finance for all Pillsbury International Businesses to include: Consultancy Services, I.T, Legal Representation as well as Business Development and Corporate Leadership Services.
CUMMINGS- NIGERIA, KENYA, SOUTH AFRICA 1997-1998:
He worked as Deputy Region Manager in Lagos and Managing Director/Region Manager until 1998. He will then become President for Coca-Cola Africa Group in 2001, Chief Administrator in July 2008, and Executive Vice President Coca-Cola until 20016.
CURRENTLY:
CUMMINGS serves on the boards of C.A.R.E and Clark-Atlanta University. Also, he is a board member of the S.C Johnson & Son Inc., Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated and a member of the NASDAQ Executive Leadership. Onward, he served as a board member of the African American Institute (AAI), Chevron, Africare, The Corporate Council of Africa (CCA) and the US-Egypt Business Council, On the Advisory Board at the African Presidential Achieves and Research Center, and the Center for Global Developments Commission on US policy towards Low Income Poorly Performing States (LIPPS). Further, he served as Board Member of the Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis MN, USA, Independent Director of Chevron Corporation from 10, December 2014 to April 2016, and finally as Director of International Bank IB (Liberia).
POLITICAL ASPIRATION:
ALEXANDER BENEDICT CUMMINGS is currently vying for the Presidency in Liberia and leads an Indomitable Political Party, the Alternative National Congress (ANC) since 2015.
2011:
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf conferred on him, the Distinction of Knight Great Band, Humane Order of African Redemption; a popular grand honor bestow upon an individual for humanitarian purposes and works in Liberia after speaking as National Orator for the July 26, Independence Day celebration. This however punched his eagerness and zeal to aspire for the Presidency in 2017.
WHAT HAS CUMMINGS DONE FOR LIBERIA?
During CUMMINGS time at Coca-Cola, he oversaw the creation of the Foundation response to the growth and impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 2001
Leveraged his current position and network to provide over 2 million dollars in funds and support to Liberia
Provided academic scholarship for LIBERIANS both in Liberia and abroad
Sponsored the Alexander B. Cummings innovation center African Methodist Episcopal University
Supported funding for over 20 water projects in Liberia through local NGOs operating in Montserrado, Nimba, and Rivercess Counties.
Recently facilitated the construction and dedication of a school in Paynesville that will focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for almost a 4.5Million dollars. The first of its kind in Liberia.
Led a high-level delegation to Liberia during the heat of the EBOLA crisis to expand Coca-Cola's activities. He was also in the frontline distributing relief items.
In 2015, he launched the Cummings Africa Foundation with his wife Teresa and his children Boakai and Ayo Cummings to cater to less fortunate LIBERIANS. Since its inception, CAF has focused on empowering and uplifting Africans in Health, Agriculture, and various Arts. The Foundation has invested more than 1.5 million USD in projects including facilitating the construction of STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Academics, the first in the history of Liberia.
In 14 months, Cummings Africa Foundation (CAF) implemented 22 quick impact projects with 25 implementing partners, which benefited 30,097 beneficiaries.
US$289,386 was spent in the areas of Education, Health Agriculture, and Development. A total money value of US$307,886 was generated.
KEY PROJECTS:
Paid WAEC fees and provided tutorial support for 2322 students from 21 schools across the country: Total project expenditure -US$106,000
Established a scholarship and financial aid program with the University of Liberia:
L$1,000,000 for 30 full-time students on financial aid and 30 full-time scholarship students.
Partnered with the AMEU and provided scholarships and financial aid:
L$168,650 for 18 beneficiaries and 12 full-time scholarships
Sponsored the inter-high school's debate:
First place - Isaac A David Memorial High School – US$2,000
Second place - Sammy Dukuly Memorial High School – US$1,000
Fostering a culture of excellence in health education:
CAF supported the Bethel ELWA Chapter to send a UL science student to study medicine at the American International University of Gambia.
Provided computers and furniture to enhance the learning capacity of the students at the St. Clement University:15 seat computer lab.
Establishment of the Alexander B. Cummings Jr. modern computer lab at the University of Liberia Fendell Campus: 30 seat computer lab.
Provided a 350KVA generator to the BWI to enhance their learning capacity in support of vocational and technical training in Liberia: Total project expenditure -US$67,000
CAF makes an annual contribution for operations of the Alexander B. Cummings, Jr. Model Science and Technology (STEM) School in Duport Road, Paynesville: Total project expenditure - US$25,000 per year.
Tuition payment for eight(8) law school students at UL: Total project expenditure - US$3,637.50
Design and publication of Nimba County Community College yearbook for their 1st graduating class: Total project expenditure - US$8,000
Partnered with the Chicago Bright Foundation in providing safe drinking water in deprived communities in the Paynesville and Margibi County: Total project expenditure - US$3,000
Creation of a computer lab in support of the establishment for Vocational Technical
Training Computer Lab for Children with intellectual disability in Liberia at My Heart's Appeal: Total project expenditure - US$5,000, 20 seat computer lab.
In partnership with Vital Voices, a US NGO with global reach, CAF supported women's participation at the Trade+Impact Conference in Morocco. The partnership created global market access for Liberian handicraft and textiles, thus linking manufacturers with buyers: Employment creation and market linkages for over 50 women in Liberia in the tourism and handicraft sectors of Liberia's economy.
POLITICAL ACHIEVEMENT, CHAIRMAN COLLABORATING POLITICAL PARTY, CPP:
• CPP Accreditation by NEC
• Formation of all CPP Committees
• Formation of CPP Legislative Caucus
• Formation of CPP Legal Team
• Formation of CPP County Structures in 8 counties – Rivergee, Cape Mount, Montserrado, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Margibi,
• Launched CPP COVID Response/ Food Distribution Committee
• Met and exceeded the 30% women representation on parties' tickets
• Successfully selected CPP Candidates for 2020 Bi-elections
- Held VPS in 3 counties
- Settled Nimba county Primary dispute
• Won 6 senatorial seats so far, 3 independents aligned with CPP
• Collaborated with Rainbow Alliance and CSOs on rejecting Referendum
• Conducted Southeastern Tour to support CPP Candidates and hard to reach counties
• Gave a National Address to the Nation on issues affecting the Nation
POLITICAL ADVOCACY :
• Advocated for the Cleaning of the Voters Roll – VR significantly cleaned by ECOWAS Technical Team
• Advocated against the Referendum – Referendum was rejected by the public, and all propositions failed.
• Unexplained Deaths of Auditors
• Archie Ponpon Self- Emollition – contributed towards Ponpon's medical bills and called for the salary payments of all civil servants
• Withdrawal from the National Food Distribution Committee for Irregularities- advocated against the irregularities and lack of transparency associated with the food distribution and withdrew CPP representatives from the process.
• Press Statements – Over eight months, the CPP issued a dozen press statements and held a few press conferences to address issues of national concern to include:
- Statement in support of Edith Gongloe and Nimba Elections
- Statement Against Press Freedom – Threats against Radio Bushrod
- Statement of December 8 Preliminary Results
- Statement on Election Victory
- Joint Statement by CPP, Rainbow Alliance, and Civil Society or Referendum and VRU
- Statement on Cape Mount Electoral Violence Statement
- Statement on Supreme Court Grant of CPP Petition
- Statement/Letter to ECOWAS on Electoral Irregularity
- Statement on Grand Gedeh Violence
- CPP Protest Statements/letter to \NEC on unclean Voters Roll, tainted VRU, etc.
- July 26 Statements
- CPP Response to 2020 State of the Nation Address
• Legal Actions– as a collaboration that promotes the rule of law, the CPP utilized the courts to action against egregious violations of our laws by the government. Paramount among these actions was a writ of mandamus to conduct the elections, clean the voters roll, and against the illegality of the Referendum.
Challenges
• Payment of dues – financial difficulties faced by parties prevented the payment of stipulated dues and fees
• Nimba County primary – posed a risk to the cohesion of the CPP but was handled by the leadership.
• Fundraising- due to COVID, it was difficult to raise funds for the operations of the collaboration and funding for our candidates during the elections.
DOES ALEXANDER BENEDICT CUMMINGS SUPPORT GAY RIGHTS?
In a famous interview with fallen Liberian journalist Mamadee Diakite before the 2017 general and presidential elections at Truth FM, a local Radio station in Monrovia, CUMMINGS responded when asked if he supports gay rights: " ...it is a lifestyle one struggle with although not lawful in LIBERIA.
Three years onward, he will be asked during a famous interview by SPOON TV LIVE on the Spoon Show, sometime in 2021 April. "Do you support gay rights"? He responded this time; ...."I do not support gay rights as it is not a fundamental sex style given to us by God. I am a Christian, married for over 35 years, and as such, I do not support gay rights".
This interview took the national discourse and every media platform like "wildfire in the harmattan" as he begins to witness massive numbers of people joining his ANC in a short period.
WHY DON'T CUMMINGS RUN AS VICE STANDARD BEARER INSTEAD OF STANDARD BEARER?
HERE'S WHY:
LIBERIA needs a leader with supervisory experience in human capacity management and a guard to successful financial management; this will however eradicate the wontons financial mismanagement and malpractices. As you may be aware, as Executive Vice President, CUMMINGS was charged with the responsibility to manage over 45 billion USD. Yes, he didn't create the Coca-Cola system but he proudly maintains it and made adjustments as was required thereof. Like President Sirleaf increased the national budget from 80 million to 672 million in 2012 and annual GDP growth of 7%, CUMMINGS is posed to lift the economy from the decline it has experienced in Weah's leadership just in three years. Whereas, our current GDP has contracted a 3.1% decrease since our valuable commodities: iron ore, rubber, and farm crops went down.
Similarly, CUMMINGS is posed as the only option to restitute the deep falls in our economy. He can use his oversight to analyze government budget and projects expenditures cut-cross all sectors and subsequently having a growth in the LIBERIAN budget and maintain it without shock and shortfalls. His wisdom would particularly create a more high-Income working environment, job opportunities, and a faster-growing economy. Lastly, the issues of unjustifiable high-level salaries are key proponents to the damages faced by the economy and likewise nepotism on a higher scale. CUMMINGS is posed to eradicate all of these ills and yes he can. Therefore, allowing him to run as Vice Standard Bearer will not only decline his passion to elevate LIBERIA from the shock and falls in all its sectors but also make him less power to fight corruption in its totality.
CUMMINGS IS A CORPORATE EXPERT; HOW WOULD HE CONVERT TO POLITICAL LEADERSHIP?
HERE'S HOW:
The world is brimming with ambitious political leaders, but sadly very few matchups to the traits of good leadership. Many political leaders appear to be severely lacking in some of the most essential qualities of a good leader, such as integrity and accountability. It's no coincidence that the word "politician" has many negative connotations. But experience tells us that there is only a handful that comes near to the principles of leadership and shows strong indicators of a successful political leader.
Political leaders are vital e.g.:" they determine the allocation of power and money through governmental policies, establish partnerships with other stakeholders, and make decisions that can have a major effect on a nation's well-being and its citizens.
Political leadership requires a leader to focus on a country's long-term betterment, above and beyond any short-term personal gains. Strong political leadership requires a mixture of honesty, and the capacity to evaluate a circumstance and make a judgment based on what will be better for the majority. like a corporate expert would do; you attract the top talent to your organization(government), and then what? It may be your job to help keep your employees( civil servants) retained, engaged, and performing at their best. A great way to elevate your workforce is to build a dynamic organization or government.
Corporate Leaders allows an organization to identify current or future leaders in their organization and help to develop their soft skills (accountability, empathy, emotional intelligence, communication, etc.) and hard skills (project management, budgeting, analytical modeling, resource management, etc.) to become refined, resourceful leaders leading high-performing teams.
The major CHEMISTRY between both styles of leadership includes:
• Management
• Executive Decision making
• Leadership Development
• Emotional Intelligence
• Exhibiting Rational change
• Control of Communication
• Managing Conflict(Inner Circle fight)
• Employee Empowerment
• Time and duty management
• Budgeting and Revenue allocation
• Business Analytics and Decision Making
• Strategy Development
• Project Management and implementation, etc.
With the above similarities, Mr. Alexander Benedict Cummings has sufficient experience overall that placed him in a position as the "MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN A COMMUNITY OF BOYS". His recent Political achievements as Chairman of the CPP have again set another difference between him and his competitors. CUMMINGS is, however, the darling boy for the growth of our national democracy and the only best option to have as President in 2024.
"ABC, ABC", the mantras heard in every street corner, towns and villages, counties and the Republic overall.
ABC TIME!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
ISAAC-TOM GBORFORWEH SEEBLEE JR.
A LIBERIAN STUDENT AND A LEARNER WHO HAILS FROM MARYLAND COUNTY AND WANTS TO SEE HIS COUNTRY CHANGE IN ALL SPECTRUM.
CONTACTS:
Gmail: seeblee34@gmail.com
Gmail: heartgolden849@gmail.com
@whatsapp 0775588150
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