Monrovia – Following a scuffle between the All Liberian Party of businessman Benoni Urey and officers of the Liberia National Police, the Deputy Inspector General Abraham Kromah says there has been a tactical adjustment on political party motorcyclists.
Report by Bettie K. Johnson Mbayo, [email protected]
The adjustment followed Monday scuffle, when partisans of the ALP were parading the Paynesville, Duport Road route at which time motorcycles leading the parade were prevented from crossing the no-go zone line, but a private officer of the ALP allegedly walked up to state officer and ripped his uniform upon which a fight ensued between private security officers and Police officers.
Kromah at press briefing said the strategic plan covering the election is vital so as to curtail violence in the country.
He said the LNP have ordered all political parties to ensure that all motorcycles have a sticker and collaborate with assigned deploy officers.
Kromah said the plan will ensure peaceful election, “We don’t want any infiltration of motorcycles so, we are urging political parties to place a party sticker on the motorcycle as it ply the street during campaign.
“We aren’t hesitating on arresting any intruder, but the tactical plan needs to be done to avoid violence.”
Meanwhile, Inspector General Gregory Coleman said the Police regret the incident and is working with its officers to avoid reoccurrence.
He said the guidelines and restriction of motorcyclists remain in the absence of sticker, “Even the 10pm restriction affects the political parties. I hope they take note.”
He said the LNP was aware of the ALP campaign parade but the ALP wasn’t cooperative when asked to bring the listing of motorcyclists.
The incident accordingly came as a shock to the administration of the LNP.
Coleman disclosed that charges will be levelled against the ALP private security personnel.
“We have had him in our custody for 36 hours and our investigation isn’t yet concluded, he had been asked to be guaranteed by a legal representative.”
He said they have not reached a conclusion on grounds that “there are people of interest that we have invited for investigation.”
LNP Begins Assigning Officers to Political Parties
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has begun assigning Police officers to political parties in an effort to avoid violence during the campaign retro.
The assignment of officers will serve as a way of commitment by the LNP to political parties to safeguard a campaign free of provocations and terror.
The process commenced on Monday, July 31, 2017 at the headquarters of the LNP in Monrovia.
Speaking recently in a dialogue with heads of political parties under the theme ‘Yes to Peace, no to Violence’, the Police inspector general, Gregory Coleman said that the LNP remains committed to conserving peace and defending the rights of all citizens.
He said that the Police are ready to tackle acts intended to create violence; he added “We will avoid those mistakes that were made during previous elections where we saw the result of our mistakes.”
Coleman guaranteed that the government has provided funding to ensure that Police assigned with political parties are not liable on any party funding.
He stressed the need for political players to remain in the confine of the laws. They are assigning three Police officers to every political party. He said the selected officers are trained and equipped to execute their duties.
He therefore called on political parties campaigning with motorbikes to observe the LNP ‘No Go Zone’ for bikes to ensure safety.
“Those campaigning with motorbikes should be warned that the 10pm deadline remains and all no go areas are still restricted.
“This is to make sure that people rights are protected because we will not tolerate anyone infringing on the rights of others,” he warned.
He further stated that LNP will provide skill and direction to political thespians; revealing LNP will visit all political rallies with or without invitation.
“They are not also allowed to use fire arms for VIPs. If any political party is found doing such will warrant our immediate intervention,” he added.
The IG endorsed its commitment to working with the National Election Commission (NEC) in accomplishing its duty to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
Speaking at the occasion, the Carter Center Program Head of Access to Information, Thomas Nah, said that his institute vestiges committed to working with the LNP to successful elections.
He said the Carter Center will remain supportive, helpful and loyal to maintaining peace throughout Liberia.
Mafanta Kromah Contributed to this report