By Bill W. Cooper
Former ruling Unity Party (UP) says it is deeply troubled and concerned about the alleged threats of assassination by the Weah led-administration on the life of controversial Nimba County Senator, Prince Johnson.
UP at the same time has also urged the Weah government to speak clearly to the veracity of the grave allegation and launch a prompt investigation to ascertain the facts and circumstances that gave rise to what they describe as “troubling accusations.”
Recently, Sen. Johnson who is the former political leader and top leader of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) and his party’s alarm over plans by the Ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government to have him (Johnson) killed.
This allegation followed Sen. Johnson who was instrumental in securing the vote-rich Nimba County for George Weah to win the Presidency in 2017, denouncing his support to the ruling party of President George Weah’s re-election for the upcoming General Elections.
However, the government through the Ministry of Information has since denied the allegation from the Nimba County Senator and party thus describing it as “political theatrics and comical.”
“There are no such plans by the government because Sen. Johnson has not done anything against the government of our country as far as we are concerned to warrant an arrest,” Information Minister, Ledgerhood Rennie stated.
But the UP in a statement issued over the weekend, noted, “The UP notes that threats on the lives of leaders of the opposition bloc are becoming increasingly of concern as these threats create the stage for electoral violence and voter apathy.”
“In less than nine months to the October 10, 2023 Legislative and Presidential Elections, Liberians cannot afford to witness any reversion of our already deteriorating security situation,” the statement added.
It further stated, “The UP therefore calls on the United Nations, European Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Foreign Embassies to make appropriate diplomatic interventions as the allegation from the MDR seems very grave and could undermine the peace and stability of our nation.”
On claim from the CDC government that it met a broken economy and empty coffer, the UP further reiterated that they left US$157 million in the National reserve at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).
The UP also called on the Weah-Taylor government to heed to the challenge of Senator Prince Johnson to publish the turnover note the Unity Part government presented when they assumed the helm of the country’s Presidency.
Meanwhile, the CPP also expressed serious concerns over statements by the leadership of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) that the Government of Liberia is secretly planning to assassinate Senator Johnson.
The CPP views these statements as very serious, and calls on the Government of Liberia
to launch an immediate probe, to ascertain the veracity of the claims, and bring any
perpetrator to justice.
The CPP reminds the Government of Liberia, that Sen. Johnson, like any
Liberian in general, and any political leader in particular, has the constitutionally
protected right to criticize the government and the President for bad governance,
without fear of secret assassination.
The CPP calls on the Government to ensure that Sen. Johnson has adequate security and protection, to guarantee his safety.
