— As LNP Applauds CPP Rally Organizers for ‘Good Behavior’
IPNEWS: The Liberia National Police says it has arrested a man identified as Justin Zigbuo for illegal possession of a firearm and is being investigated.
In a post featured on the LNP Facebook page, the police said the arrest was made during the afternoon hours of Saturday, December 17, 2022, in Paynesville before the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium where supporters and sympathizers of the Collaborating Political Party (CPP) had gathered to observe its rally duped “We Tiyah Suffering”.
The 45mm gun reportedly found with suspect Justin Zigbuo
Suspect Zigbuo is currently detained at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police undergoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the LNP leadership appreciates the leadership of the CPP and its supporters for organizing themselves in a peaceful manner and accepting to coordinate with the LNP for a successful rally.
Up to press time, it still remains unclear why suspect Zigbuo took an arm at the rally that was intended to be peaceful and how was the firearm discovered.
At a joint CPP-LNP press conference held at the Liberia National Police (LNP) headquarters in Monrovia on Thursday, 15 December, organizers against alleged hardship in Liberia and police authorities agreed to work together and committed to peaceful conduct during the assembly due 17 December 2022.
The LNP and the rally organizers pledged during the press conference to provide a corridor of protection for the CPP and all Liberians.
The joint press conference was graced by top supporters of Cummings’ presidential bid Amb. Lewis G. Brown, Dr. Toga McIntosh, CPP official Martin Kollah, and Police Inspector General Col. Patrick T. Sudue.
Suspect Justin Zigbuo (in cuffs) being taken to taken away by LNP for investigation
During the press conference, Col. Sudue urged the rally organizers to spread a message of peace during the pending opposition rally.
On the other hand, Col. Sudue assured the public that the police will exercise their duty in a professional and democratic manner.
The police chief explained that the LNP will ensure that the rally is peaceful enough to avoid chaos.
Sudue assured that the rights and aspirations of every citizen will be protected during the rally.
He said the police did so during previous protests, including the ‘June 7,’ and ‘Save The State,’ and others.
Sudue noted that the LNP has had an orientation of democratic policing.
“We have had an orientation of democratic policing. Democratic policing is where you are constrained to provide care and protection for your citizens to ensure their rights and aspirations are protected,” IG Sudue explained.
The police chief continued that the police will use every peaceful method to ensure that the rally remains in a conducive manner.
He also said community policing will be the order of the day to ensure that officers are taken to the people with peace and respect for human dignity.
But he also called the organizers and supporters of the CPP Rally to remain cordial and abide by the rules of law.
He urged them not to cause commotion and embarrassment for other peaceful citizens during the day of the rally.
During the rally, the LNP shared snacks, water and soft drinks to attendees of the rally which is aimed at building its democratic Policing profile.
For his part, IG Sudue pledged to continue his democratic Policing footprint in consolidating the confidence of the citizenry in the Liberia National Police as a “People-centered Police.”
