—As LNP Charged To Court 14 Suspects After Thursday’s Clashes
IPNEWS: Former Foreign Minister Olubanke King Akerele has come under shape criticisms over recent accusations against former President George Weah during her oration at the 177th observance of National Flag Day.
Former Foreign Minister King lashed at former President Weah of inciting violence in the country, a statement which has been condemned by many across the country.
Across Monrovia Monday morning, many frown at the accusation and call on the former Foreign Minister to retract her comments as it has the propensity of causing chaos in the country.
Some Liberians vented out their anger by saying that inasmuch the conduct of some members of the former ruling Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) were continuous in the negative comments, yet former President George Weah has demonstrated some level of tolerance even while he served as president of Liberia.
Former Minister King’s remarks were made contained in her address at the 177th Anniversary of National Flag Day celebrations, where Madam Akerele was the keynote speaker.
It may be recalled, in March 2024, the same Former Liberian Foreign Minister Amb. Olubanke King-Akerele proposed that President Joseph Nyumah Boakai should request an external security assessment of Liberia due to security threats at home and in the region.
She requested that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations Mission in Ivory Coast (UNM) to undertake Liberia’s security assessment and evaluation.
Amb. King-Akerele proposed the security assessment while speaking at the 95th birthday anniversary celebration of the late Madam Mary Brownell on Tuesday, 12 March 2024, in Central Monrovia.
“Given the security threat in the sub-region and that which is also facing our nation and neighbor and the imperative surrounding Liberia, we strongly believe and urge the new administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to seriously consider and make a request to the UN Mission in Ivory Coast, and the ECOWAS to come and undertake a security assessment and evaluation [of] Liberia,” King-Akerele urged.
According to her, there is simply too much hate speech, violence, and hatred all over the country, something she described as provocative and uncalled for.
She believes that these factors have the propensity of taking the country down the road it doesn’t want to go.
“All parties, especially the opposition, must be mindful of this. We urge them to bear in mind the respect and recognition that the world and Africa is giving former President George M. Weah for how he acknowledged the victory of President Boakai,” she pointed out.
She also urged former President Weah to not lose the respect being awarded to him and Liberia.
The former foreign Minister stated that former President Weah’s Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) is promoting hate messages and engaging in provocation.
“We urge him to speak. I went to Uganda and Rwanda three times to the United Nations, so I know what I’m talking about. We can’t afford hate speeches and messages that [are] provocative to destroy our country again,” she concluded.
In her address, Madam Akerele called on the government to thoroughly investigate the violence allegedly perpetrated by members of the opposition political party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), which is widely associated with ex-President Weah. She expressed concern over the increasing incidents of unrest and urged the authorities to take immediate action to prevent further escalation.
Madam Akerele also criticized Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, for not thoroughly investigating the source of the violence allegedly instigated by CDC supporters before arriving at the scene. She stressed the importance of understanding the root causes of such conflicts to effectively address them and prevent future occurrences.
Contrary to Madam King’s accusation against Speaker Koffa not investigating, Madam King was also seen at the main entrance of the CDC charting with some partisans of the CDC after a violence erupted sending woman of WIPNET into different direction.
Some wounders while will Madam King make such provocative accusations against the two senior officials of the CDC when they had sought like others to bring the escalating tension between the Police and some CDC partisans under control.
In her condemnation of the acts of violence, Madam Akerele did not mince words, directly implicating former President Weah and his supporters. She urged the current administration to prioritize an impartial and comprehensive investigation into these allegations, emphasizing that no one should be above the law.
“The incitement of violence is a grave matter that threatens the peace and stability of our nation,” Madam Akerele stated. “It is the duty of the government to investigate these acts without delay and hold those responsible accountable, regardless of their political affiliation or status.”
Her strong statements have added to the growing discourse around political violence in Liberia, raising concerns about the potential for increased tension as the country navigates its political landscape. The call for an investigation has resonated with many who are advocating for transparency and justice in addressing the recent spate of violent incidents.
As the country observes its 177th Flag Day, Madam Akerele’s address serves as a reminder of the need for unity, peace, and respect for the rule of law. Her call to action has put pressure on the government to take concrete steps in addressing the allegations and ensuring that the country’s hard-won peace is preserved.
In a related development, the Liberian National Police (LNP) says it has arrested, charged, and forwarded to court fourteen (14) suspects after last Thursday’s (August 22, 2024) clashes between the Police and supporters of the former ruling Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town.
According to the LNP, the fourteen suspects include Aaron Soe, Emmanuel D. Sumo, Korpo L. Boakai, Gifty Johnson, Elijah D. Gweh, Christian K. Perry, Itea F. Borbor, Varney D. Wilson, Lawrance G. Bessiah, Samuel Joe, Joseph Z. Benson, Prince Zammie, Derrick Sekeh, Odonnell A. Corbin, and Alieu S. Brima.
The Police, in a release, say the individuals are charged with multiple crimes, including Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Criminal Facilitation, Criminal Solicitation, Criminal Conspiracy, Physical Obstruction of Government Function, Aggravated Assault, Recklessly Endangering another Person,
Criminal Mischief, Riot, Failure to Disperse, Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Highway, and Other Public Passages, respectively.
The LNP says it remains committed to maintaining peace and order in communities. It says, “We urge all citizens to refrain from engaging in violent activities and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.”
Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has termed untrue and misleading information circulating on Social Media platforms that a man, who was seen unconscious and being helped by LNP officers during the violent protest in Congo Town, has died.
It says contrary to these speculations and claims of his death, Prince Zammie, 43, a resident of the Fiamah community in Monrovia, is currently undergoing medical treatment at the JFK Referral Hospital. He was rescued and rushed to the hospital by LNP officers from the protest grounds.
The LNP strongly condemns the dissemination of false information and urges the public to verify the sources of their information before spreading such falsehoods. It laments that the publication of deceitful information is harmful and misleading.
“We are committed to keeping the public informed about the health status of Prince Zammie and other Joint Security officers who also sustained injuries during Thursday’s protest.” A statement from the LNP assures the public.
On early Thursday Morning, August 22, 2024, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) attempted to execute a search and seizure warrant at an identified property in the Small Town Community around Bernard Beach. However, some community members resisted, leading to LDEA personnel pulling out of the community.
