Liberian News: ‘IG Coleman Betrays Public Trust’
-Koijee Says Liberians Will Defend Themselves If The Police Act Like Armed Robbers’
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Monrovia-The rancor with Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman in particular and the Liberia National Police (LNP) in general by the Secretary General of the Opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) seems to be mushrooming on daily basis amid what he sees as unprofessional conduct in matters of high security nature and sensitivity.
Jefferson Koijee continues to regurgitate his discontentment and frustration that the country’s security apparatus led by the LNP are veering from their core duties and conducting themselves in manners that have grave national and international implications on the country and people.
Writing on social media Thursday, Jefferson Koijee again took swipe at the LNP boss, saying he has betrayed the trust and confidence of the public, although he felt short proffering what should be done in such a situation.
Apparently fearing that the Police is veering from its core responsibilities, he warned that the people of Liberia will be will be left with no option but to defend themselves with their bare hands if the “police continue to act like armed robbers in uniform.”
“Once again, the Liberia National Police under the failed and brutal leadership of Inspector General Gregory Coleman has revealed its true face not as a force for public safety, but as an instrument of terror in the hands of the powerful,” Koijee wrote.
Koijee, who served as Mayor of the Monrovia City Corporation during the entire lifespan of the former administration, singled out a particular incident he claimed unfolded in Mount Barclay.
He did not spell out what actually transpired in his assertion, but emphasized that it was not law enforcement, rather a “grotesque display of state-sponsored violence.”
The CDC SG alleged that live rounds were fired at innocent animals and property in complete disregard for a standing judicial order.
He spewed further: “Gregory Coleman has finally succeeded in transforming the once-decent officers into ruthless, heartless militia men and women intoxicated with power and armed with state-issued weapons to brutalize unarmed civilians.”
According to him, the incident he’s referenced further shed light on how “Gregory Coleman is more invested in defending his bloodstained uniform and corrupt officers than upholding the rule of law.”
Koijee claimed that while law-abiding citizens are crying out for protection, IG Coleman is spending taxpayer dollars shielding the very criminals in uniform who violate court orders and terrorize communities like Mount Barclay.
“This is not policing this is militarized thuggery,” he wrote, adding “the silence from Coleman’s office is not just negligence,it is complicity in an escalating campaign of intimidation against poor Liberians fighting to defend their homes and dignity.”
The CDC Secretary General warned that Liberians will not sit idle while their children, homes, and pets are slaughtered by “demons wearing badges.”
By the standards of what happened in Mount Barclay, Koijeesaid IG Coleman has betrayed the public trust, adding “every drop of blood spilled in Mount Barclay stains his hands directly.”
According to him, the days of fear are over, and that if the state cannot protect the people, then the people will rise to protect themselves.
His comments come at the time the CDC of which he is Secretary General is furious over the police manhandling of its Chairman, Atty. Janga Kowo at last week around the Monrovia Central Prison down town Monrovia.
The CDC SG continues to view the conduct of the LNP since the birth of the current administration as repugnant.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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