As Cummings’ supporters clash with Police
By: Arthurline Roberts
The amalgamation of different political forces has started to take serious toll on the peace of the Country, as power politics continues to intensify.
Yesterday on Capitol Hill was a scene of bloody clashes between officers of the Liberian National Police (LNP) and supporters of ANC Political Leader Alexander Benedict Cummings. The streets were seen lathering with stones and smoke from tear gas, while Monrovia’s traffics went standstill.
Social media was inundated with footages of chaotic scenes. A photo of breathless lady suffering from apparent tear gas suffocation and several bloody ones were posted from scenes.
Scores of Cummings’ supporters gathered early Tuesday morning with placards in their hands at Tempo of Justice on Capitol Hill to protest against, what they called, political trial of Leader who is currently undergoing trial at the Monrovia City Court.
Cummings and two other executives of his Party are on trial for alleged forgery and criminal conspiracy based on complaint filed against them by another opposition political leader, Benoni Urey of ALL Liberian Party (ALP) that is also a constituent Party of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).
Recently in Monrovia in an apparent suspicion of Former Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai supporting Urey’s court action against him, the Alternative National Congress (ANC) Leader rallied Liberians to standup for equity and fair play, stating, “All across the various tribes, regions, religions, genders and parties, if we don’t stand up and act together, as strongly and as decisively as we should for real change, I assure you…. things will only get worse! And it will not just get worse for us today, it will be worst for our children and their children, tomorrow. Wake up today for your future, and the future of ALL our Liberian children”, he rallies Liberians
Cummings said other leaders of the opposition were afraid that he would defeat them in a CPP democratic primary, the process, he said, they agreed to use to choose the Standard Bearer of the CPP, informing, “These individuals, aware that they will lose to us, now want to break their promises to the Liberian people, but are too cowardly to take responsibility for breaking up the CPP. Hence, they are joining with the government to contrive a lawsuit against the CPP, after almost two years of its continued existence under the same set of rules and obligations”.
In a related development, Lofa County Senator Steve Zargo has vowed to lead another mass protest to Capitol Building in demand of justice for senator-elect Brownie J. Samukai. The Senator said he would lead a protest scheduled to take place on January 24, 2022, when President Weah is delivering his 5th State of the Nation Address in the joint Chamber of the National Legislature on Capitol Hill.
On Sunday January 16, 2020 a group of young people under the banner, Friends of Brownie Samukai announced a nationwide protest in demand of Justice for their friend Samukai. The group said it would on Monday begin a new chapter of struggle to be led by young courageous militants of Lofa that are prepared to take bullets, if the need be, in defense of their noble County and its people.
“Let the word go forth once more, if this government continues to push the court to delay the certification of senator elect Brownie Samukai thereby denying the full representation of Lofa county in the government, we will be left with no option but to the defend the constitution. We are committed to defend our votes even if bullets to our breasts”.
In similar tone, the Lofa Senator warned anyone against underestimating the ability of Lofa citizens to create formidable social disruption in defend of their rights when the need arises. The Senator said the historical topography of Lofa represents brave warriors, some of whom, he said saved the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
Political pundits have advised much care be taken to tune down the political rhetoric ahead of 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
