Liberia News: Morlu Issues Caveat!

 Monrovia-In a show of support and solidarity with motorcyclists amid the ongoing police no-go-zone restrictions debacle, the head of Solidarity Trust for a New Day (STAND), Mr. Mulbah Morlu has issued a stern caveat to state authorities to put respect for the rule of law above personal egos and dealings.

He accentuated the supremacy and authority of the rule of law in any given situation, and the reality that officials of government are too small to be above the law.

Addressing motorcyclists in the courtyard of the Temple of Justice Monday, Morlu underscored the usefulness and righteousness of the rule of law to the maintenance of statehood characterized by peace, security and development.

On the basis of the significance of the rule of law to the well-being of the nation, the STAND boss rallied motorcyclists to conduct themselves in the confines of the law, ensuring that their actions do not infringe on the sanctity of the law as they seek justice from the courts of law.

“Don’t allow the comments of the Deputy Director of Police or his boss to provoke you. The intent is to provoke you into action that will be used against you, so don’t allow them to provoke you. You are represented by competent lawyers,” he told the crowd of motorcyclists on the grounds of the Temple of Justice.

“The current case that seeks to compel government to raise restrictions on bike riders is before the Justice-In-chambers; I believe the chambers justice and the Supreme Court Bench have the integrity, have the morale to render justice in the interest of you, the people,” Mr. Morlu further urged in an effort to inculcate the necessity for Liberians to utilize the law as cornerstone in their pursuit of justice.

He told motorcyclists not to subject or submit themselves to provocation simply by the comments of Mr. Nelson Freeman, Deputy Police Inspector for Operations, whom he said is being paid by Liberian taxpayers’ money.

“He is too small to be above the law; Mr. Coleman is too small to be above the law; not even the Justice Minister is above the law, not even the President. President Boakai is too small to pretend to be above the law,” Morlu warned, and further appealed to bike riders to remain law-abiding, respect the rule of law and give the court a chance.

According to him, the rights and privileges of motorcyclists who are also citizens of the Republic will never be compromised, while heaping praises on those motorcyclists advocating on behalf of their colleagues in the wake of what he called “exploitation of power” by those in authority.

Tacitly taking swipe at the Police for its unrelenting stance against motorcyclists in light of the no-go-zone restrictions, Morlu harshly reminded them of the significance of the headquarters building which he said was built to protect lives and properties, and not to violate them.

He called on them not to harbor fear for the police because its statutory duty is to protect citizens of the country against harm, but acknowledged also that there are bike riders whose actions, behaviors in the traffic are not consistent with the law.

Public anxiety and street protests have beclouded the no-go-zone restrictions as both bike riders and ordinary citizens continue to criticize the decision as outlandish and unjustified.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector J. Nelson Freeman has denied Morlu’s claims that he threatened to harm motorcyclists within designated restricted zones.

Freeman labeled these accusations as unfounded and misleading, saying they stemmed from Morlu’s misguided efforts to rehabilitate his own damaged credibility.

According to Freeman, the police is committed to enforcing regulations in restricted areas is solely aimed at enhancing public safety, not inflicting violence against riders.

To emphasize the police’s supportive stance, he referenced a recent operation in which over sixteen motorbikes were returned to their rightful owners, underscoring the LNP’s collaborative approach towards motorcyclists. He reassured the public that the relationship between motorcyclists and law enforcement is not adversarial but rather one of partnership in sustaining community order.

Additionally, Freeman defended his professional integrity, drawing on his extensive 17-year background in law enforcement and leadership positions within the LNP. He highlighted the essential nature of compliance with restricted zone regulations, designed to ensure the safety of both motorcyclists and pedestrians alike. The LNP has reiterated its pledge to uphold the law equitably without resorting to intimidation tactics.

This incident takes place against the backdrop of ongoing discussions regarding the constitutionality of no-go zones for motorcyclists. Nonetheless, the LNP remains steadfast that its actions are justified and align with principles of public safety and lawful governance.

Wilson