IPNEWS: Liberty Party is appalled by the eleventh-hour, unilateral withdrawal of its immediate past National Chairman and Lofa County Senator, Steve J. H. Zargo, from the race for the chairmanship of the Senate’s Committee on Defense and National Security.

A LP press statement issued early Thrusday, May 20, 2021, states that Senator Zargo’s unexpected withdrawal, which paved the way for the unchallenged election of Senator Prince Johnson to this position, is a disappointment to the CPP Legislative Caucus especially so since, prior to the election, the CPP Legislative Caucus agreed to support Senator Zargo as Chair of the Committee on Defense and National Security.

Liberty Party stated that it sees Senator Zargo’s action as a downright push back at the efforts of Liberians, both home and abroad, towards the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court to end the culture of impunity in Liberia. It is irrefutable that the election of Senator Johnson to chair such an influential committee undermines calls for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court to prosecute warlords for the atrocities meted out against Liberians during the Liberian civil conflict.

“As an institution highly acclaimed for adherence to the rule of law, Liberty Party wishes to distance itself from Senator Zargo’s action against the consensus of the CPP Legislative Caucus. Liberty Party also wishes to inform all of its supporters who continue to cry aloud for the establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, both home and abroad, of its commitment to the fight for justice for victims of the Civil War.”

“The Liberty Party will be citing Senator Zargo to a meeting with its leadership on Friday, May 21, 2021, to provide an explanation of his action to withdraw from the Legislative, election in a manner and timing that effectively disallowed the CPP from putting forth another candidate, especially given the fact that he knew that this action would result in the single slate of Senator Prince Johnson being presented for this critical position.” The release from Liberty Party Chairman, Musa Bility read.

The Liberty Party statement followed late Wednesday, May 19, 2021, statement by the U.S. Embassy near Monrovia, expressing disappointment in the Liberian Senate over the election of notorious warlord Prince Y. Johnson, as chairman on National Defense and Intelligence.

U.S. Embassy near Monrovia, has strongly condemn the election yesterday, May 18, 2021, of notorious warlord Prince Y. Johnson as Chair of the Liberian Senate Committee on Defense and Intelligence.

A statement from the U.S. Embassy says Senator Johnson’s gross human rights violations during Liberia’s civil wars are well-documented.

“His continued efforts to protect himself from accountability, enrich his own coffers and sow division are also well known. That the Liberian Senate would see fit to elevate him to a leadership role – particularly in the area in which he has done this country the most harm — creates doubts as to the seriousness of the Senate as a steward of Liberia’s defense and security.”

“The U.S. government is proud of our longstanding partnership with the Ministry of National Defense and Armed Forces of Liberia which will continue — but we can have no relationship with Senator Johnson.”

“We note as well the continuation of Counselor Varney Sherman, sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for corruption involving judicial bribery, as chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petitions. By giving Senators Johnson and Sherman these leadership roles, the Senate is effectively ensuring that corruption and lack of accountability flourish.” The U.S. Embassy Statement read.