Liberian News: IT’S ‘FAIR’ AND ‘UNFAIR’

Monrovia-Public opinion is divided over the arrest and detention of some members of the House of Representatives at the Monrovia Central Prison following their indictment by the Liberian National Police (LNP).

Many termed their arrest and detention as fair while others said it is unfair in a social media opinion generated by advocate Martin K.N. Kollie.

The LNP last Friday charged former House Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa (Grand Kru District 2), Abu Kamara (15th District Montserrado County), Dixon Seboe (16th District Montserrado), Jacob Debee (Grand Gedeh), and Pricilla Cooper with diverse crimes in connection with what happened to the capitol building on December 18, 2024.

Charges ranged from criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, criminal attempt to commit murder, arson, criminal conspiracy and many others.

The nation is now grappling with what happened last Friday, which some have labelled as “fair and unfair” arrest and charges in a public opinion sampled by advocate Martin Kollie on social media.

Some were dismissive about it, but others made a bold determination as the fairness or unfairness of what transpired – the arrest and indictments of the several lawmakers including former House Speaker Koffa.

Precious Kollu did not say whether fair or unfair, but urged that the police follows specific procedures to ensure legal compliance and uphold the rights of the individuals before they can be charged of a crime, adding “law enforcement is actively looking into a situation or person, but they have not gathered enough evidence to formlly accuse them of a crime.” “We agree no one is above the law but pleacsedonit accuse them based on politics; please gather any physical evidence and documents and obtain witness contact information; whether fairly or unfairly, just want the truth and I know the truth will prevail.”

Samson Isa Kiazolu only said “Even if I don’t know what happened, itt is #1 because lawmakers are our number one problem in little Miami”- a reference to former President Weahlabelling Rehab Community as Miami.

Michael B. Sheriff put it as succinctly as possible “very fair like a fairytale,” while Raymond Doe, Zackie Russ termed it “fair.”

Francis S. Blayee, in his opinion said “they are unfair. I believe the police is just doing everything to back up the President’s initial statement that the act was an act of arson without even waiting for this time,” while Matthew Gbarnyan Tokpah said it is fair, followed by Mohammed Dagoseh Konuwa who agreed that it is fair as well.

As for Abraham Duwhan Varney, he urged that Mr. Kollie should conduct “this for ordinary citizens that go through this same procedures every day.”

However, Tweh Mic Wesseh agreed that the arrest and charges are fair, and so do Abraham D. Jackson, Myers Bondo, Famata Kamara, while William Zaza thinks all the details should be obtained.

Also sharing his opinion on the matter, David Satisfied Boss Urey agreed it is fair to do so, and so also are Prince Jimmy, Lawrence SayeKakay Tokpah and Al-Khalifa Sesay.

Lincoln Varney, Wah Seyon, Alex Garoty Weatermed “fair”, but Steven O. Johnson disagreed, and termed it “unfair.” Victor Willie, Alfred Sloh, Jr., Mohammed Sillah, Abel Gbeadeh, Moses D. Kolleh, Zayzay Saydee Zayzay all agreed it is fair, while Maria B. Williams said it is “unfair.”

Though not every opinion expressed is captured, those who believed the action is fair outnumbered those who opposed.

However, it is observed that both proponents and opponents of what happened largely based their views on political alignments compared to a sincere, pensive and broader insight into the matter at bar.

New Republic Liberia

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.