-As former ruling UP condemns statement to assassinate Pres Weah
By our Reporter
In the wake of a Social Media post by a Liberian man in the US calling for the assassination of President George Manneh Weah, the National Security Council said on Monday that it “will deal drastically and legally deal with anyone at home or abroad who seeks to undermine the peace and security of the state by acts of lawlessness.”
The Facebook assassination statement is said to have come from one Abraham Kamara, a Liberian residing in the US.
In a press statement signed by President Weah’s National Security Advisor, Benjamin Kanmoh, the National Security Council said it will not take the threat lying down.
“The National Security Council is determined to pursue both legal and diplomatic means in ensuring that Mr. Abraham Kamara is held accountable for his irresponsible statement and action.”
But a local radio reported that Kamara had denied calling for the killing of President Sirleaf, claiming that someone had hacked his Social Media account.
The National Security Council has vowed that it will not allow the life of President Weah to be compromised, something it said “is a number one security priority.”
It described the assassination statement as “devilish, malicious and reckless.”
Liberia’s national Security Council said while the government remains committed to protecting the right to freedom of speech and the press, “it will not tolerate the abuse of such freedom to the extent of undermining the peace and security of the state.”
Since the assassination statement was posted on the Social Media, it has drawn serious concerns and apprehension from many in the public.
This is an utterance that many Liberians dread, because Africa’s oldest independent Republic has seen assassinations of two of its former Presidents–William R. Tolbert in 1980 and Samuel Kanyon Doe in 1990, since Liberia became independent over 170 years ago.
But the National Security Council is assuring Liberians, residents and the international community of its “ability and capability to protect the life of the President and provide security for the state.”
Meanwhile, the former ruling Unity Party (UP) has condemned the Social Media statement calling for the assassination of President Weah.
The UP Spokesman, Mr. Mo Ali told the local OK FM radio in Monrovia on Monday that such as statement was reckless and it threatens the country’s thriving democracy.
Mr. Ali said that Liberians no longer want to return to the dark days of violence but want to enjoy the freedom to criticized their leaders freely in an atmosphere of peace and stability.