Monrovia – Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe has called on the Liberian Senate to guarantee protection for him and his family, claiming that his life is under threat following a press release issued last week by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), which he believes has placed him in grave danger.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
Speaking during the Senate’s regular session on Tuesday, May 27, Senator Snowe said the government’s interpretation of a recent statement he made on Spoon Talk —where he expressed hope that the Boakai-led government would serve only one term — has been dangerously exaggerated to imply that he is plotting to overthrow the administration.
“I receive calls from outside Liberia, from security apparatus that I’m trying to overthrow the Liberian government. This is no small crime; I’m asking the Senate to guarantee my family and I security as of today.
“My security is in the hands of the state. If I die today, I want the Liberian people to know that the Ministry of Information issued a statement that has threatened my life and if I die today or my family is harmed, they should be prepared to answer that question,” Senator Snowe said.
He added that the accusation amounts to nothing short of character assassination and is reminiscent of Liberia’s dark past when political opponents were falsely accused, imprisoned, or killed.
“Treason in our constitution is no small charge; you either go to prison for life or death. We may be young and maybe a few Senators are in the 60s. But we remember a day in this country where people will lie on people and they are killed. Under this political dispensation, we should not allow that to happen,” he said.
Senator Snowe insisted that his statement was political, not seditious. “I said that I pray that he (President Boakai) should fail so that he could have one term so we can remove them from power. If the government or the public feels that the statement is ill or against the interest of Liberia, then we can sit down and discuss the statement. I am a human being. Yes, I want the government to have one term. I stand by my statement,” the senator asserted.
He further stated that opposition politicians cannot reasonably be expected to want the success of an incumbent administration, which would hinder their own chances of political ascension.
“There will always be dissent. We will disagree in a democratic form of government. I want to reiterate that my love for this country is unquestionable. I want Liberia to succeed. Do I want the government to succeed itself after six years? No. I want it to be a one-term government. If that means destabilization, then I’m guilty. What I said that I want the government to have a one term is not being irresponsible; it’s my right as a member of the opposition community,” he said.
According to Senator Snowe, the threat he now faces extends beyond political friction. He claims that he and his family are receiving threatening messages and calls.
“My life is being threatened; this is not politics. Today I may be seen as an opposition senator, but tomorrow, any of you could be senator in opposition as well,” he told his colleagues.
He said the stress of the government’s accusations has even affected his elderly mother’s health. “My 90-year-old mother’s pressure has been up since she heard this news. Someone called and told her that ‘the government is accusing your son of trying to overthrow’; my ma was in the hospital. My security is at stake. This is very serious and I’m asking for every guarantee that I need under our constitution for this matter. I’m not taking it lightly,” he added.
Senator Snowe called on the Senate to launch a full investigation and publicly present the findings. “The Senate should take the necessary action by conducting an impartial, full-fledged investigation in the full glare of the international partners and Liberians. The government should provide its evidence linking me to plans to destabilize the government and using my connection in ECOWAS to undermine it,” he stated.
He expressed willingness to resign from the ECOWAS Parliament if the government formally requests it.
Responding to the senator’s concerns, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who also serves as President of the Liberian Senate, offered words of assurance from the executive. “Under this government, we will protect all oppositions; you are free to speak. It’s just that we ask everybody to speak in the confines of the law and protect the peace. President Boakai has asked me to tell you that your security is guaranteed, including your family,” VP Koung said during the session.
Meanwhile, the Senate has tasked its Judiciary, National Security, and Executive committees to investigate the matter and report back within two weeks. The motion was introduced by River Gee County Senator Francis Dopoh.
The controversy has also generated reaction across the political spectrum. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, described the government’s response as dangerous for Liberia’s democracy.
“The government’s attempt to paraphrase Senator Snowe’s comment, and then criminalize it, undermines our democracy and has a chilling effect on the opposition in a manner unhealthy for our democracy. The Ministry of Information must retract its press release,” Koffa said.
The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has taken a more aggressive stance, accusing the Boakai administration of political persecution. In a statement signed by CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga A. Kowo, the party condemned what it called a deliberate attempt to silence a prominent opposition voice.
“The government’s baseless declaration of Senator Snowe as a ‘national security threat,’ absent any credible evidence, is a reckless and unconstitutional act aimed at silencing dissent and consolidating political control,” Kowo stated.
He warned that this action could set a dangerous precedence for the country’s future. “This dangerous maneuver violates Article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, which enshrines the right to freedom of expression and political participation for all citizens, including members of the opposition. Such undemocratic behavior mirrors the characteristics of authoritarian regimes, not a government sworn to uphold democratic norms,” the CDC Chairman said.
The statement also called on ECOWAS, the African Union, and Liberia’s international partners to take note of what it referred to as “growing repression.”
Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh also came to Senator Snowe’s defense, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the role of the opposition.
“We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty or a lack of love for one’s country. When we lose the loyal opposition, I believe a vital part of Liberia’s young vibrant democracy is lost too,” Konneh said.
Senator Snowe has vowed to remain engaged in all official functions and pledged his continued commitment to democratic principles.
“This is about my life. I have done no wrong to exercise my constitutional rights to express interest to contest for the highest seat in Liberia or to be a member of the opposition community,” he concluded.
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