Says: “If You Love and Support Me, Refrain from Violence,” President Weah Tells Supporters
Over the weekend, the Liberian government announced that it is launching a full-scale investigation into last week’s mob violence by pro-CDC supporters in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County against two opposition politicians—Representative Yekeh Kolubah and the opposition CPP leader Alexander Cummings.
In an August 1, 2020 press release signed by Information Minister, Eugene Nagbe, the government said, having conducted preliminary investigation into circumstances that led to an attack on opposition leader Alexander Cummings and his entourage in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, has commissioned a full scale probe into the incident, while condemning the appalling violence.
In this regard, the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh has been summoned to Monrovia to assist in the probe.
The Information Ministry has directed the Joint Security Forces to ensure that all those involved in Thursday’s incident are held to account for their actions.
The inquiry will determine the apparent lapse in security protocol and other reasons which contributed to the fracas.
On the following day, August 2, 2020, President George Manneh Weah, reiterated his objection and detestation of violence and unrest in Liberia, recalling that the country witnessed so much of it for long at the expense of peace and normalcy, according to an Executive Mansion press release.
He said the 14 yeara civil conflict, which left over a half million Liberians and many more traumatized and displaced, is sufficient lesson for all Liberians to eschew violence and trouble which the President said has got no place in Liberia’s fledgling democracy.
The President’s assertions come in the aftermath of reported hostile reaction by some residents of Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County, to officials of the opposition Collaborating Political Party, Mr. Alexander Cummings and District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah late last week.
The citizens reportedly went amok in demand of Representative Kolubah’s immediate expulsion from the city-a hostile reaction they justified on the Representative’s habitual verbal attacks, including profanities, against President Weah.
“If you love me, if you support me, please be peaceful and developmental,” the President said in reference to the hostile Zwedru resident’s action. “Remember that I promised the people of Liberia that my administration will maintain zero tolerance for violence but will maintain the peace, build roads and improve the lives of all.”
Speaking Sunday, August 2, 2020 during regular worship service at the Forky Kloh Jlaleh Family Fellowship Inc, the President called on all Liberians to be peaceful and adhere to the tenants of democracy, as violence is not the answer to Liberia’s development challenges.
Dr. Weah described the recent happenings in Zwedru City undemocratic, saying those culpable will be brought to justice.
“This country witnessed too many instabilities that didn’t benefit us as a nation and people. Hostility is not the answer,” the Liberian Leader warned further. “We must focus on maintaining peace, order and adherence to the law. With peace we can develop our country.”
He added: “Everyone has the right to move about freely in any part of the country. There are ways under our democratic system by which citizens reject people whose behaviors or political ideologies don’t match theirs. Either you stay away from assemblies where they are found or you vote.”
He asked the Ministry of Justice to quickly investigate the incident in Grand Gedeh County.
“Liberia will never return to its ugly past; certainly, not under my watch as President of the Republic,” the Liberian Chief Executive maintained.
At the same time, the Liberian Information Ministry has noted that the fact that the Cummings delegation safely visited several other counties without incident, is a clear indication that the Government is committed to protecting all its citizens, regardless of their political persuasion.
The rights to free movement and political assembly are fundamentally guaranteed by the Liberian constitution. The government will continue to ensure that these rights are protected at all times.
As the country moves closer to elections in December, the Justice Ministry assures the public that it is employing additional measures which will ensure security for all those engaging in political campaign activities.