– Links Cache of Arms to President Weah’s Statement

By Taisiah K. Merfee

IPNEWS-Monrovia: The opposition Vision for Liberia Transformation Party (VOLT) political leader, Dr. Jeremiah Z. Whapoe has condemned and blamed the illegal importation of deadly weapons recently discovered at the Freeport of Monrovia by the Joint Security on what he terms as the “reckless statement” of President George Weah.

Addressing a major press conference at the weekend at his party headquarter on the Old Road, Dr. Whapoe said that the illegal importation of weapons in the country is scaring and should be condemned by all well-meaning and peaceful Liberia.

But, he squarely laid the blamed on the statement made by president Weah years back that Liberians should provide security for themselves by purchasing CCTV as a reason for the huge illegal importation of the recently confiscated guns as the Freeport of Monrovia.

Some of the arms and ammunition recently busted by the LNP and other Joint Security agents

“We must first and foremost condemn the act and action of bringing illegal weapons in the country. This is very scaring and alarming at this tense political time in our country. However, we are concerned in VOLT, the government has the rights and responsibilities to defend and protect the nation” Dr. Whapoe noted.

Security forces here have launched an investigation into the discovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition at the nation’s largest port-Freeport of Monrovia and a private residence in Brewerville outside Monrovia. Both discoveries are connected to a single source.

The arms and ammunition were first discovered at the port in a shipment consignee to a lady before further discoveries were made at a home in Brewerville following a search and seizure operation.

He explained that why it’s true the joint security and Liberians at large have not identify the intent of the importation of the weapons in the country, but he can speculate that the person that brings the weapons is alluding to President Weah’s statement that Liberians should protect themselves.

The opposition politician indicated that until the government can identify and pick point why this person has the audacity to illegally import weapons in the country, he also believes that the person might be acting on the statement of President Weah.

“Why it’s true that we have not identified the intent of the illegal importation of weapons into the country. We can speculate that the person that bring the weapon if not for violence purpose might be alluding to President Weah’s statement made some months or years back that we should provide security for ourselves” Dr. Whapoe alleged.

According to him, the ‘reckless and premature’ statement made by President Weah years back has provided people variety of ways to protect themselves and family.

He further indicated that weapon is use to protect and also cause violence and so either one of the reasons could be why the person brought them in the country.

LNP Inspector General Patrick Sudue briefs the media about the busting of the illegal weapons

Dr. Whapoe narrated that a president or leader should be careful how he or she speaks because any statement from them becomes a policy that their followers allude to.

He lamented that the statement made by President Weah years back signal a policy into the hearing of Liberians that they should protect themselves and so the individual that imported the guns might be acting on the President’s recommendation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Whapoe also congratulated the Liberian National Police and the Joint Security for the seizure of the weapons at the Freeport of Monrovia.

But, again warned that it’s a good idea that the police will be searching every vehicle and moving object plying the Streets but cautioned that if should be with a search warrant.

He noted that any search that will not be done with a search warrant from the court is a complete violation of the rights of the Liberian people therefore, he will not submit to any search that is unlawful despite he doesn’t support the illegal importation of guns neither does he carry guns.