Celebrating the so-called emancipation of Liberia, proudly Africa's oldest independent nation, is always a moment characterized by the pomp of merry-making, sober reflection and sometimes tear-jerking events that keep citizens and residents atone. But, in equal measure, leaders use these times to recount somehow steady progresses and steeps. So after somehow murky 166 years of existence, how can Liberia transcend the barriers that dwarfed it so badly, and what is President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has relished her being at the helm of power at the time Liberia is finding the gear that enables it to land safely reading the writings on the wall? What does she have to offer as the catalyst to her transformative agenda, making Liberia a true oasis of peace, reconciliation, social and economic integration and political stability and unrivaled development? The New Republic followed the events in Tubmanburg.

In a very tiny small hall of the administrative building in Tubmanburg where official programs marking the observance of Liberia's 166th national independence celebration took place, Liberians and foreign residents alike endured the discomfort of living with the scourge of heat brought to bear by the incapacitation of air conditioners and ceiling fans, listened to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf unraveled her thoughts about how far Liberia has come and what is before it to cross the Rubicon of abject poverty, social inequality, and inclusive development.

The speech in which she reflected on the goodness of the God toward Liberia and Liberians, in which she also recounted Liberia's paralleled endowment as well as some of the development projects and programs her government has undertaken or earmarked for future advancement, the President also set the tone that thrusts Liberia into the sphere of transformation.

Saying that a lot has been done and achieved, saying that a lot more is needed to be done, the President seemed convinced that there can be no light at the end of the tunnel when Liberians themselves have not seen the need to play the roles that are compatible with their individual inclinations.

"Today we celebrate our collective and individual contribution to our country's development and progress. Let us re-sensitize and renew ourselves, in terms of our patriotism and responsibility. Let us love our country; this is fundamental to progress. Join us in nation-building. Join us in the processes of change. Make a small sacrifice, for the good of ourselves and our country," the Liberian leader spoke with passion.

It is not the first time she has rallied Liberians to the realization that they have a part to play in reclaiming and redefining the path of progress, but observers say the fact that she primed the individual participation of Liberians in the advancement of their societies cannot be overemphasized.

"She might have the conviction that it is only means by and through which Liberia can overcome the mountains that continue to slow its progress," remarked a quest in Tubmanburg when he gave his views on the president's Independence Day statement.

But as much as he said he agreed with the president, he is also apprehensive that the president may not achieve anything if she wholly and solely prays for citizens' involvement in the process of transforming the country before her government can take steps.

According to him, the reasons why citizens put government into power is to cater their needs and in the same work to change the course of events in the country, and added "Liberia cannot what for citizens before it is developed; the government has greater duty and responsibility to work and change things around."

She reminded Liberians of the enormity of the tasks ahead after years of division necessitated by years of war that ravaged the country and pulled citizens apart on different social, political and religious lines.

"We have work to do. We must get on with the task of building a better Liberia for all Liberians. We must work together in the spirit of teamwork, cooperation and love for our country. We must build a vibrant and strong Liberia of which we can be proud," the president said.

The speech which was somehow dimensional was not about enticement but about clearly defining what lies ahead.

According to her, the road to political, social, economic and infrastructural developments is long, but with courage and determination it is conquerable.

"We have come a long way. We have survived the worst; there is no turning back. Let us seize the moment, and make the most of what God has given us. The goodwill and respect for Liberia, by the international community and the majority of Liberians, remains strong, as they believe in us and they know that the promise can be fulfilled and the dream can be realized. Let us turn the opportunity into success," Madam Sirleaf.

On the sub-theme "Transforming Liberia through Reconciliation and Responsible Citizenship," she told the gathering of mixed characters that transformation of Liberia through decentralization also requires responsible citizenship, stressing "We need to transform our nation from a system in which the Government has all of the responsibilities and the citizens have only rights and privileges."

The Liberian government is experiencing serious difficulty in getting citizens who are said to have illegally constructed in areas earmarked for destruction to enable companies that have signed concession agreements carry on approved projects.

A case in point is the defiance being shown by "squatters" along the St. Paul and Sayon town end where China Union is expected to construct its railroad to ferry iron ore from Western Liberia as part of the Western Cluster Deal.

Residents sometimes ago petitioned the National Legislature to quash plans by China Union to construct a railroad along the path, as doing so would affect homers and businesses there.

But in her speech, President Sirlreaf reminded Liberians that it was an unacceptable act for citizens to willfully build in areas they do not suppose to, adding that such action contravenes the responsible citizen concept.

"Being responsible citizens mean we do not stand in the way of progress. Responsible citizens do not build homes in such a way that construction of the roadway is delayed, and building the railway to transport the iron ore cannot proceed. We should not threaten the start date of bringing cheaper electricity to our people because construction of the hydro is hampered as a result of people having planted rubber trees in the basin where the water will flow."

"Such actions cost Government additional money we did not budget for, in order to settle the many claims. We ask you to join us, as responsible citizens, to do the right thing. It means doing your bit to help our country advance, and to accelerate its growth."

In the view of the president, becoming responsible citizens also means citizens changing their way of doing things.

"More importantly, we can only become responsible citizens by changing our attitudes and our behavior. We need, as Liberians, to think positively; to balance criticism with constructive solutions; to love our country and ourselves; to want to uplift ourselves and everything around us; to be patriotic. That's what citizen responsibility is all about. That's what progress is all about."

While the president called for Liberians to change their ways of doing things, she equally made some commitments, even-though making commitments are very diurnal in the body politics of Liberia.

"Let me state emphatically that although health and education and agriculture will remain of the highest priorities, we are determined to give emphasis to infrastructure, particularly road and power, for these facilities enhance the quality of service in all sectors. We will follow this chosen path of other countries which have achieved the transformation we seek," the president said.

Health workers have either downed tools in protest against underpayment and other unbecoming treatments from their employers, thus causing many to lose their lives to diseases that are easily treatable.

However, the murkiness of the existence of Liberia over the past 166 years is shown in the backwardness of the country in areas of infrastructural development, social and economic inequity as well as political imbalance.

As much as her suggestions may be seen to be salient, not many Liberians agreed with some the propositions, many that ones that concerns citizens' attitudes toward their country.