MONROVIA, April 22 (LINA) - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has urged Liberians to desist from acts of violence and destructive activities that divert the attention of the nation from its development agenda.

 
President Sirleaf warned that unless Liberians refrain from violence and plundering of their own country, partners will shy away from providing the much needed assistance that will accelerate the country’s growth and development.
 
Speaking at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County shortly upon her return home from Washington D.C. on Tuesday, the Liberian leader expressed dismay over the recent violent conduct of some motorcyclists which resulted in the burning of one police station and ransacking of several depots.
 
President Sirleaf called on Liberians to exhibit a change of behavior which will see them work along with their government for the betterment of their country.
 
The Liberian leader believes that Liberians will only be defeating themselves when they engage in hooliganism and unpatriotic acts that could discourage partners from providing support to the nation.
 
“I returned and found a lot of destruction at a time when we are trying to rebuild our country; it is very discouraging to us; it is discouraging to partners, and it takes away the efforts that we all want to make Liberia a better place,” President Sirleaf noted.
 
It can be recalled that on Thursday, April 16, scores of angry motorcyclists stormed the Paynesville Community in protest at the alleged killing of one of their fellow motorcyclists, Mr. Alfred Tarnue, Jr, by a police officer.
 
The cyclists in their protest, set ablaze the Zone Five Police Depot in the Red-light Market, destroyed several others and physically assaulted several officers of the Liberia National Police.
LINA