Monrovia-The Liberia National Police (LNP) Headquarters in Monrovia has become a hotbed of tension and unrest following the arrival of Montserrado County District 15 Representative Abu B. Kamara and District 16 Representative Dixon Seboe.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Both lawmakers have been called in to answer questions related to the alleged arson attack on the Capitol Building, an incident that has caused widespread concern and allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of government.
The situation turned volatile earlier Wednesday, February 19, when personnel of the LNP refused entry to Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah, a vocal critic of the government, who arrived at the police headquarters to show support for his colleagues.
Kolubah was barred from entering the compound despite his status as a sitting lawmaker.
The police officers, who cited direct orders from Inspector General Gregory Coleman, claimed that the restriction was part of an ongoing investigation into the Capitol arson attack.
The denial of Kolubah’s entry sparked a fierce exchange with the officers, with the lawmaker vehemently protesting what he described as a blatant affront to his constitutional rights and the sanctity of his office.
Kolubah accused the police of deliberately undermining the authority of elected officials and violating democratic norms by preventing him from attending a crucial public inquiry.
“The disrespect shown to my office today is a clear sign of the growing authoritarianism under this government,” Kolubah declared, as tensions escalated between the police and the lawmaker.
He continued to demand that the police respect his constitutional rights and cease the political suppression that had become common practice under the Weah administration.
It took the intervention of a senior LNP officer to de-escalate the situation, allowing Kolubah entry into the headquarters.
However, this isolated incident has raised serious concerns over the political independence of the police force and the growing tension between the government and opposition figures.
Meanwhile, Representatives Kamara and Seboe, who are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the Capitol arson, have entered the police compound under heavy scrutiny.
The investigation into the Capitol arson is part of an ongoing probe into the attack, which many believe was politically motivated.
The incident, which occurred amid a heated political climate, has become a flashpoint for criticism against the Weah administration, with many accusing the government of using the security forces to target opposition lawmakers and suppress dissent.
Kolubah’s exclusion from the police headquarters is not the first instance of the LNP allegedly using force to stifle political opposition.
Reports of arbitrary arrests, illegal detentions, and the targeting of journalists have surfaced in recent months, leading to accusations of authoritarian practices by the police and the government.
In a separate but related incident, the police also blocked access to the headquarters for members of the media and even their own spokesperson, Cecelia G. Clarke, further raising suspicions of an orchestrated attempt to conceal information surrounding the investigation.
The crackdown on journalists and internal personnel reflects a disturbing trend of government attempts to control the flow of information and restrict public accountability.
The public’s growing distrust of the police and government has led to protests in various parts of the country, with calls for greater transparency and accountability from the Weah administration.
Critics argue that these actions are part of a broader campaign to silence political opposition and curtail the freedoms guaranteed under Liberia’s constitution.
The arson attack on the Capitol has become a symbol of the intense political polarization within Liberia, and the ongoing police investigation threatens to further deepen the rift between the ruling government and its critics.
The tension at the police headquarters today is a stark reminder of the deteriorating state of political freedoms in Liberia and the increasingly fragile democratic institutions in the country.
As the investigation continues, many are calling for an independent inquiry into the arson attack and for the government to take immediate steps to restore trust in the police force and ensure the protection of the rights of lawmakers, journalists, and ordinary Liberians alike.
The government’s actions in the coming days will be closely scrutinized, as Liberia teeters on the edge of a political crisis that could have far-reaching implications for the country’s future.
