MONROVIA — The Executive Director of Campaigners for Change International, Vandalark Patricks, along with other civil society organizations, is expected to converge in Monrovia to demand action from lawmakers, particularly those in the anti-House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa bloc within the House’s majority group.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinions (CEIO) on Carey Street in central Monrovia, Patricks emphasized that their demand for lawmakers, especially those in the House of Representatives, is to return to the main chamber and conduct the business for which they were elected, namely serving the Liberian people.
Campaigners for Change International and other civil organizations have a history of advocacy, dating back to their 2012 mass protest under the banner “Ellen Step Down Campaign.” However, that planned protest dissipated after reports surfaced that money allegedly changed hands at the last minute.
“The extensive mobilization throughout the nation, particularly in Montserrado County, and the warm reception we continue to receive from citizens make us confident that the Government of Liberia will safeguard the people’s rights tomorrow,” Patricks stated.
He revealed that protesters will gather later at the RLJ Hotel, where the anti-Koffa bloc has held meetings over the last two weeks, before marching to the Capitol Building to demand that lawmakers return to their official duties.
Patricks emphasized that lawmakers were elected by their constituents to serve the people, not to hold private meetings in hotels, which he argued serves no benefit to ordinary Liberians.
According to Patricks, thousands are expected to participate in today’s protest at the Capitol Building, calling for accountability, transparency, and a restoration of constitutional order. He noted that the Liberian Constitution has been abused for too long, stressing that his group remains committed to peaceful protest and that any deviation from the rule of law will be addressed, with violators turned over to the Liberia National Police.
Patricks further noted that about 800 women, many of whom are grandmothers and sisters, will join today’s peaceful demonstration. He argued that these women would not be marching if the government were working in their best interests.
“The Government of Liberia should see this mass action as an opportunity to realign its policies with the interests of the citizens who elected them,” Patricks declared. “Our actions are in line with Articles 1 and 17 of the Liberian Constitution, and we will conduct ourselves accordingly to ensure our voices are heard.”
Referencing the political turbulence surrounding former House Speakers Edwin Snowe, Alex Tyler, and George Dweh, as well as former Senate Pro-Tempore Isaac Nyenabo, Patricks warned that Speaker Koffa’s resignation would imply an admission of guilt regarding the allegations in the resolution signed by his colleagues.
Patricks also condemned the recent attack on the home of Maryland County District #1 Representative P. Mike Jurry, where unknown assailants caused extensive damage to property, including Jurry’s vehicle. He noted that while disagreements on Capitol Hill persist, this does not justify attacks on lawmakers or their families.
There have been allegations that embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has distributed $50,000 to civil society organizations and student groups to undermine today’s protest, though this remains unverified.
Calling on Liberians to abstain from any violent acts, Patricks emphasized the need for restraint, warning that violence could set Liberia back further.
Authorities of the Liberia National Police are currently investigating the attack on Representative Jurry’s home, though no arrests have been made. Patricks stressed that Liberia, still recovering from years of civil crisis, cannot afford further deterioration, urging citizens to channel their frustrations constructively to ensure national progress.
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