Monrovia – Tension was said to be brewing on Tuesday, March 24, between officers of the Liberian National Police (LNP) and the private security detail of Mr. Alexander Benedict Cummings, the Political Leader of the opposition, Alternative National Congress (ANC). This incident began on Monday night when the Deputy Police Inspector General for Operations, Officer Marvin Sackor, ordered Mr. Cummings’ security detail to immediately vacate the Palm Spring Resort, where he (Cummings) is being held in quarantine after his return from Accra, Ghana.
The government, through the Ministry of Health has more than 200 places listed, included Ghana, where anyone entering Liberia from any of those places is taken to be quarantined for at least 14 days.
Authorities of ANC told this newspaper, “The GOL thru the Liberia National Police 102 has been harassing Mr. Cummings security detail that have been monitoring activities at and around the quarantine center. Despite them following ALL the Protocols as prescribed by the NPHIL staff and being in full compliance with no risk to them or their families, the police insisted that they completely get off the premises last night but they refused on grounds that they could not leave Mr. Cummings without security.”
Senator Daniel Naatehn, ANC’s Chairman, stated that his Political Leader’s men stood their ground and refused to abandon him. He added: “Our Political Leader’s life is at risk at the moment.”
The Gbarpolu County Senator further stated that, “Today [Tuesday, March 24, 2020], the harassment continued and they have quarantined two of his security in the same center. His life is at risk as it is now completely in the hands of a reckless and irresponsible government which sees him as their main rival. They can do anything to eliminate a formidable competitor and we cannot let that to happen. We need to bring this to the attention of the public to ensure that the government commits to providing measure for security to monitor activities at the center and protect Mr. Cummings.”
He further said the incident on Monday night was “very horrible and scaring.”
“The GOL thru the Liberia National Police 102 has been harassing Mr. Cummings security detail that have been monitoring activities at and around the quarantine center. Despite them following ALL the Protocols as prescribed by the NPHIL staff and being in full compliance with no risk to them or their families, the police insisted that they completely get off the premises last night but they refused on grounds that they could not leave Mr. Cummings without security.”
“Our Political Leader, Mr. Alexander Benedict Cummings, came into this country from a trip abroad. He was faced with the current health protocol that is taking place, which subjects him to be quarantined at the Palm Springs Resort.
“He went into the facility with his personal security detail. His security were put thru all the health protocols established at the hotel by the health authorities. They were allowed on the first day. But last night [Monday], Mr. Cummings’ security details told us that Police Deputy 102 asked that they be removed from the premises completely. But our men refused and that ended. We thought that it had been handled until late this afternoon [Tuesday], we again received information from Mr. Cummings’ security details that the Police have again started their harassment, asking them to abandon him.”
He disclosed to this newspaper that they immediately decided to inform some diplomatic missions near Monrovia, including the UN, ECOWAS, US Embassy, etc, about what was obtaining and what the government wants to do their leader.
According to him, while in that process, they later learned that the Police Inspector General, Col. Patrick Sudue had contacted Mr. Cummings’ Special Assistant so as to have the matter resolved. He also stated that Justice Minister Frank Musah Deah, too, had weighed in on the matter.
Cummings Is Stable
Touching on the present condition of his Political Leader, Sen. Naatehn told FrontPageAfrica, “Mr. Cummings is stable. He’s okay. You know the first five days of this pandemic can sometimes make one panic. But he has now covered those five days and he’s better; he has never been sick.
“When he spoke on the 50-50 show this morning, he stated that he is okay even though there are some slick problems with the security situation.”
Police Source
A police source very close to the incident told FrontPageAfrica late last night that the situation was being handled well. He didn’t go into much details as he is not clothed with the authority to speak to the media.
Background
On Sunday, March 22, the ANC’s political leader was quarantined by the government of Liberia but his party raised concerns over the manner in which he was taken into quarantine.
Mr. Cummings had returned home from a board meeting.
After being told to self-quarantine, his home was inspected by health officials to facilitate the self-quarantine.
However, that changed. Mr. Cummings on Sunday accused the George Weah-led government of politicizing and changing the decision of the healthcare professionals.
Mr. Cummings, consistent with his desire to comply and keep Liberians safe, said he immediately agreed to be quarantined at a government-run center.
The ANC leader further said he is fully aware that he nor anyone is above the law and believes in the rule of law. This, the ANC leader’s aide said, is particularly important as it relates to the health and welfare of the Liberian people. He, however, hoped that the government demonstrates the same adherence to the laws/rules with everyone and in every situation.