By Sam S. Kangar
MONROVIA — Mr. Jefferson Tamba Koijee, the former Mayor of Monrovia and Secretary General of the largest opposition political party, has criticized the Liberia National Police (LNP) for their response to the brutal murder of a woman who had recently returned from Canada.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 24, Koijee referred to the woman’s killing at her home along Marshall highway as “brutal and heartbreaking,” accusing law enforcement of inaction and suggesting that there may be an intentional cover-up.
“She survived the harsh winters of Canada with hopes of returning to contribute to her homeland, only to encounter violence in her own bedroom,” Koijee expressed. “And what is our response from the police? Silence. Indifference. And cover-ups.”
His comments come as public concerns grow regarding increasing insecurity in Monrovia and its surrounding areas. He specifically called out Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, labeling his leadership as “rogue” and comparing the LNP to a “criminal enterprise” allegedly infiltrated by former rebel elements.
The former Monrovia City Mayor identified officers Johnny Bolar Dean from Unit 106 and Nelson Freeman as symbols of what he sees as declining trustworthiness within the LNP. Additionally, he reignited controversy regarding a fire that damaged parts of the Capitol Building in December, branding Coleman “the prime suspect” while criticizing the government for not conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Has arrogantly refused to submit to any investigation. Instead, he’s chasing the US$1.8 million allocated for the Capitol Building renovation like a hungry fox circling a chicken coop, while our national peace hangs in the balance,” Koijee said.
Further in his statement, Koijee claimed that the LNP has been repurposed as an oppressive arm of state power, asserting that officers have harassed citizens and lawmakers alike. He cited a recent scandal involving US$200,000 in revenue where a key witness reportedly faced intimidation from police.
“Instead of delivering justice, Coleman’s LNP has become an instrument of repression,” Koijee charged, urging that allegations made by witnesses should be taken seriously and investigated independently.
The senior opposition figure also directed some of his anger at Senator Abraham Darius Dillon for remaining silent on these issues, accusing him of neglecting his constituents amid what Koijee termed “mysterious killings, fear, and intimidation.” Even though the lady who was murdered was killed outside Senator Dillon’s area of jurisdiction.
Koijee did not hold back when addressing President Joseph Boakai’s administration or Vice President Jeremiah Koung either. He accused them of misplaced priorities, specifically pointing to their controversial procurement deal for heavy-duty equipment from China while ignoring what he characterized as an escalating security crisis.
“The Boakai-Koung regime is preoccupied with violating procurement laws to import yellow machines from China, while failing to provide basic safety for our people. Their priorities are upside down, and their silence in the face of rising insecurity is a betrayal of the Liberian people he stated.
He concluded with a call for justice, urging national leaders and law enforcement to take responsibility.
“This is no longer a matter of politics, this is a matter of life and death. Our streets are no longer safe. Our women and children are no longer safe. And our country is bleeding under the weight of corruption and impunity,” he said.
As of the time this was written, the Liberia National Police had not publicly responded to Koijee’s claims.
Meanwhile, the Police Inspector General, Col. Coleman earlier Tuesday, June 24, identified the lady as Sianneh Goe Ricks and said further that investigation in her death was underway. She was a Liberian-Canadian.
