MONROVIA – Court sheriffs enforcing an eviction order at the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) on Saturday, August 23, reportedly uncovered at least five diplomatic passports belonging to the party’s Secretary General, former Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee and his spouse.
The operation, backed by heavily armed police, also led to the discovery of firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition within the premises. Meanwhile, Koijee’s home was also demolished after it was thoroughly searched. The same excavator also demolished the Munah-Tech Vocational School, a well-known institution situated inside the compound that once hosted the CDC headquarters.
Reacting to the developments, Acting CDC Chairman Atty. Janga Kowo accused the government of “lawlessness,” alleging that the exercise is a calculated attempt to suppress political dissent and intimidate the opposition.
Authorities, however, maintain that the action was carried out in strict accordance with a Civil Law Court mandate ordering the eviction of the CDC from its Congo Town headquarters.
CDC Senator Cllr Augustine S. Chea opines on the eviction:
“I have said it privately before, and I am saying it publicly now, that our party must peacefully vacate the Bernard estate.
“Under our statutory and constitutional law, the filing of a new suit for specific performance by a party who has lost a prior eviction case does not automatically stay eviction.
“In the eviction case (action for ejectment), the court ruled in favor of the Martha Stubblefield Bernard estate (landlord) and ordered eviction. That judgment is final and binding unless stayed by the Supreme Court through appeal or motion for stay of execution.
“The filing of a new suit (an action for specific performance) does not stay an eviction already ordered by the court.
“Even if the party (CDC) files a motion for a stay of execution of the eviction, and posts an indemnity bond, as required by the Civil Procedure Law, but without a court granted stay order, the sheriff can carry out the eviction. It is also legal for the court to request the help of the police in enforcing an eviction to prevent resistance to lawful eviction.
“That’s the law. We are a country of law!”
Fmr. West Point Commissioner Arrested
Meanwhile, as the demolition got underway, the Liberian National police arrested former West Point Commissioner William C. Wea at the CDC headquarters after officers had announced that anyone within the premises should get out and after they had discovered two rifles inside a residence.
Wea claimed in a live video recording that he was locked inside because a colleague had taken the keys. The Sheriff backed by the Police under supervision forcibly open the door.
The weapons were shown to journalists and authorities said investigations are ongoing.
