Monrovia – The National Committee of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) has indefinitely suspended its National Chairman, J. Yanqui Zaza, citing alleged violations of the Party’s 1984 Constitution. But Chairman Zaza said the group is us under suspension and does not have the legal authority to to suspend him.
By Claudius T. Greene, Jr., contributing writer
The decision was reached during the Committee’s first sitting since the May 6, 2022, National Congress, which elected the current National Executive Committee. The matter has been referred to the Grievance and Ethics Committee in accordance with the Party’s Constitution and National Elections Commission (NEC) regulations.
Allegations Against Chairman Zaza
The National Committee, invoking Articles X and X, Section I of the Party’s Constitution, outlined several accusations against Zaza. These include attempting to unconstitutionally remove County Congress Chairpersons, efforts to oust key national officials, including the National Youth Chairman, the National Vice Chairman for Recruitment and Mobilization, and the National Women’s Chairlady, disseminating false information to undermine the National Committee’s meeting and maliciously maligning the reputation of Committee members.
The Committee also accused Chairman Zaza of failing to attend or provide an excuse for his absence despite being formally notified of the sitting. Instead, they claim he sought to disrupt their activities.
The LPP warned all partisans, supporters, and external parties to refrain from engaging in official Party business with Zaza during his suspension, emphasizing that the Party would not be held accountable for any agreements, contracts, or actions undertaken by him during this period.
LPP Reaffirms Commitment to Integrity
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, accountability, and the principles enshrined in its Constitution, the LPP described the suspension and referral of Zaza’s actions to the Grievance and Ethics Committee as measures to uphold the Party’s integrity.
The communication announcing the decision was signed by the National Secretariat of the LPP and the Party’s National County Chairpersons.
Chairman Zaza’s Response
When contacted, Chairman Zaza rejected the allegations, countering that the group’s “ring leader,” Mr. Brownie Samukai, and his allies, are the ones currently under suspension.
According to Zaza, the National Executive Committee, after reviewing what he described as “violent activities” by Mr. Samukai, suspended him and his associates. Zaza alleged that Samukai had threatened him and other Party officials, prompting a formal complaint to the Liberia National Police.
“The Party wrote the Ministry of Justice, requesting that they prevent Samukai and his allies from visiting the LPP headquarters,” Zaza stated. “They promised to harm anyone. Therefore, we restricted their access to the office until the Ministry of Justice provides clearance.”
The dispute highlights deepening divisions within the LPP’s leadership as both factions continue to trade allegations ahead of the Party’s next major political activities.
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