Monrovia – Robert W. Budy, Commission General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), says no matter how long talk-show host Henry Costa stays away from Liberia, there is a case before the Liberia National Police about his possession of “fake laissez-passer”.

Costa, the Head of the Council of Patriots (COP), in early January was accused by the government of Liberia of forging travel documents, days after he staged an anti-governmnet protest in Monrovia.

He was later scheduled to travel on January 10 but was prevented by LIS officers on grounds that he had forged travel documents while returning to the country.

Costa turned himself in to the LIS for investigation, but he would later leave the country crossing the border to neighboring Sierra Leone during night hours.

It has been more than six months since the hard-talking radio show host left the country and news of his return has repeatedly emerged.

But speaking on a local radio talk-show, the OK Morning Hush, LIS Commissioner General Budy said investigation surrounding Costa’s forgery case has not yet been laid to rest.

“Henry Costa is still charged because he fled the country and we did not conclude the investigation and all of the files were turned over to the Liberia National Police,” the LIS Commissioner General said, adding that the gravity of the case is so huge that it involves lots of individuals.

“Many individuals participated in the procurement of the fake laissez-passer that was obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The case is still pending before the Liberia National Police and so Henry Costa should realize that he still has a charge hanging over him.”

According to sources, Costa, who also heads the Council of Patriots – a group frequently opposing the policies of the government, will return to Liberia in December this year during Special Senatorial Elections to campaign for candidates who will be on the ticket of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).

Monrovia – The Armed Forces of Liberia is debunking allegations that its troop and resources donated by the government of China are being used to mine gold on behalf of President George Weah’s brother-in-Law, Michael Duncan and First Lady Clar Weah.

Report by Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

On Monday, Talk Show host Henry Costa, in a Facebook Live displayed photographs he says showed the use of recently-donated trucks by the Chinese government to the AFL being used to mine gold in Grand Kru County. “I have evidence that Mr. Weah and his brother-in-law, Michael Duncan, the brother of Clar Duncan Weah are engaged in illicit gold mining.

Not much is known about the First Lady’s brother, Michael. But in 2013, he was unsuccessful in his quest to win  the 31st Council District seat in New York. He is a Baruch College Accounting graduate, who, like his sister, lived in Queens for nearly eighteen years with his wife and kids.

Mining in Parluken.  City, Forpoh Districts, Costa Says

Mr. Costa later posted photographs describing: “Pieces of evidence of Weah and Wife’s brother, Michael Duncan, using our government properties to carry out their illicit gold mining operations in Grand Kru County. As you can see in the pictorial below: A Chinese-donated AFL excavator, GSA marked trucks, Army tents for the AFL soldiers who provide security for the Chinese mining workers and their operations to sleep in. This is absolutely unacceptable.”

Mr. Costa lamented: “He and his brother-in-law are engaged in gold mining. From what I’m told, they don’t even have a license. He thinks he owns the country. They don’t have the license but they are mining in Grand Kru. Even though the President should not be engaged in such activities, but that’s not the thing. George Weah, believing that everything in Liberia belongs to him has decided he’s not going to buy his own equipment to do the gold mining. Why buy an excavator when the government has excavator. Why buy trucks, when government has trucks, why guy generators when the government has generators. So, George Weah took it upon himself and took the AFL excavator, the Armed Forces of Liberia. So, George Weah is mining gold. Not only that, AFL soldiers are deployed there, providing security for his brother-in-law for their operations. AFL soldiers are using AFL tanks. The place they are doing the mining is a place in Grand Kru called Ma Mary Village, Parluken City, Forpoh District. AFL excavators sprayed in the AFL’s official colors army green. I will show you the army green tents that the military people who are deployed there as security are using. I will show you the GSA trucks, that are there with the GSA written on it in Ma Mary Village District.”

Speculations about alleged mining activities in the area reportedly started some five months ago but officials, dismissing Mr. Costa’s claims say no one can prove or have photographs showing AFL soldiers actually engaging in mining activities because it is untrue.

But Mr. Costa insists that the government is lying. “I’m told they have three of the trucks there for his operation. These are GSA trucks, government trucks. The AFL soldiers are deployed at George Weah’s mining operation.

Strong Denial from AFL, MOD

Officials say the roads are being constructed in anticipation of President Weah’s first trip to the area since he won the presidency in 2017. However, some residents in the area say, the area under construction is not in the president’s plan to visit.

On Tuesday, Major General Prince C. Johnson, Chief of Staff of the AFL told FrontPageAfrica that the information is false. “The Armed Forces of Liberia is doing massive road work in River Gee, Sinoe and Grand Kru Counties in partnership with the Road Construction  and Engineering Company as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding. This Company is located in  Caldwell, Louisiana. The Armed Forces of Liberia is doing massive road work in River Gee, Sinoe and Grand Kru Counties in partnership with the Road Construction  and Engineering Company as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding. This Company is located in  Caldwell, Louisiana.”

Late Tuesday, the Ministry of National Defense also issued a statement condemning the allegation. “The Ministry of National Defense categorically refutes the allegation posted on Monday, 22 June 2020 on the official page of Henry P. Costa, accusing the Armed Forces Liberia (AFL) of mining gold in Grand Kru County. Mr. Costa’s social media post concerning the AFL is fallacious, unacceptable, misleading and criminal and lacks iota of truth.”

“We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with this, Road Construction and Engineering  Company in Oct 2019 to do road works in River Gee, Sinoe and Grand Kru called Road Construction and Engineering Company, Upper Caldwell, Louisiana, Montserrado County manager is James Ebanks.  The equipment were deployed in December 2019. The AFL has completed more than 350 km roads construction and rehab within Gbarpolu, Lofa, G Gedeh, Sinoe, Rivercess, Montserrado, etc and have signed MOU with companies as Solid Rock, German Aglro, Ministry of Public Works, etc.”

– Major General Prince C. Johnson, Chief of Staff of the AFL

The MOD explained that in October of 2019, the AFL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Road Construction and Engineering Company located in Caldwell, Louisiana, Montserrado County for road construction and rehabilitation operations in Grand Kru, River Gee and Sinoe Counties, respectively, which is currently ongoing.

In fulfillment of this MOU, the AFL, according to the MOD, dispatched a team of Engineers to Grand Kru, River Gee and Sinoe Counties to work with Road Construction and Engineering Company.

The MOD stated Tuesday: “Civil Military Operations is key in building a contemporary army, bringing the army to the community to build relationship of trust. Therefore, the rehabilitation of feeder roads, building of bridges and community projects are an integral part of the Engineering Company of the AFL.”

The ministry says over the years, the AFL has signed other MOUs including German Agro, Solid Rocks, Bowee Foundations, Gbarpolu County Developing Funds, Legislative Development Projects in River Gee and Gbarpolu Counties for road constructions and rehabilitation. Moreover, the AFL has collaborated with the Ministry of Public Works in rehabilitating roads throughout the Country. The AFL in collaboration with these institutions has rehabilitated over 305 kilometers of road in Liberia.

Major General Johnson said two of the AFL’s equipment, an excavator and a Dozer(7) are aiding the road construction of some 350 kilometers of roads.

In 2019, the People’s Republic of China has provided Liberia with a grant of $ 3.3 million in cash to finance the acquisition of new military equipment and meet the logistical needs of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).

The Liberian army is being rebuilt into a professional army following the disbandment of the previous army which was loyal to former president and convicted warlord Charles Taylor.

MONROVIA – Liberia’s airwaves advocate has been listed among Africa’s top “50 Disruptors” for this staunch advocacy for justice, civil rights and fight against corruption in Liberia.

“The Disruptors”, according to the African Report, are African women and men who are shaking up the status quo, asking uncomfortable questions, upending business models and fighting preconceptions.

The exclusive ranking of Africa’s Top 50 disruptors is based on three factors: innovation, disruption and heft. These criteria take into account how new the idea is, how big the change is and how many people are impacted.

“Popular radio host Henry Costa has channeled public anger into a series of demonstrations against the administration, gathering hundreds of thousands of Liberians onto the streets of Monrovia to show Weah the red card. With the news that Liberia will auction oil blocks in 2020, Costa is organizing new protests with his ‘Council of Patriots’. The government arrested him over immigration irregularities in Sierra Leone in January this year, having shut down his radio station in October 2019”

– The African Report

The report recognized that the euphoria that followed ex-soccer star George Weah into office quickly dissipated.

“Repeated corruption allegations dog the new government. And quality of life has not improved. Popular radio host Henry Costa has channeled public anger into a series of demonstrations against the administration, gathering hundreds of thousands of Liberians onto the streets of Monrovia to show Weah the red card. With the news that Liberia will auction oil blocks in 2020, Costa is organizing new protests with his ‘Council of Patriots’. The government arrested him over immigration irregularities in Sierra Leone in January this year, having shut down his radio station in October 2019,” the Report stated.

Others on the ‘To 50 Disruptors’ include: 2019 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Abiy Ahmed, President of Ethiopia; Aliko Dangote a businessman and a reformist, the Presidents of Ghana and Ivory Coast Nana Akufo-Addo and Alassane Ouattara; João Lourenço of Angola; Koos Bekker, a Tech king based in South Africa; Anas Aremeyaw Anas, an investigative journalist bent on naming, shaming and jailing corrupt officials of government, among others.

Monrovia – Six persons have been arrested and charged by the Liberia National Police (LNP) in connection to a gang attack on talk show host, Henry P. Costa.

Report by Augustine T. Tweh – augustine.tweh@frontpageafricaonline.com 

Leroy Kolleh, along with Suleiman Fofana, Junior Gibson, Nardoh Parley, Dennis Kanneh and Jeremiah Sackie were arrested by the LNP on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 following a complaint filed to the LNP by Henry P. Costa. 

Mr. Costa, lead presenter of The Costa Show, alleged that he was attacked on October 24, 2017 at about 1p.m by unknown individuals while coming from a meeting on Mechlin Street. 

According to the police charged sheet, complainant Costa told police investigators that, following the threats, defendant Leroy Kolleh and co-defendants began to throw objects at him and one of them hit him in the chest on ground that he insulted Senator George Weah on his talk show. 

“According to complainant Costa, on October 24, 2017 about 1p.m. while coming from a meeting on Mechlin Street and was aggressively approached by the herein defendant and co-defendants who are believed to be petty traders. (They) rained insults at him, threatened to kill him and burn his car.” 

Complainant Costa told the police investigators that following the threats, the defendant and his cohorts, few of whom are co-defendants began to throw objects at him and in fact one of them hit him in his chest claiming that he, Henry Costa insulted Senator George Weah on his talk show angering them. 

“He said he had to escape in an unmarked vehicle.

He concluded that the act on those accused must be investigated also those identified in the video recordings be brought in for questioning,” the LNP charge sheet stated. 

The police also said a team of police investigators sent out in the field identified that the video recordings that were viewed by the team revealed that indeed complainant Henry P. Costa was attacked on Mechlin Street, that the defendants having been told of the allegation neither denied nor admit to wrongdoing, but chose to remain silent as advised by their lawyer in respect to their rights.

Those witnesses confirmed the allegation of complainant Henry P. Costa of been threatened, assaulted and insulted on October24, 2017.  

“In view of the supra mentioned, the investigation has resolved to charge defendant Leroy Kolleh, Suleiman Fofanah, Junior Gibson, Nardoh Parley, Dennis Kanneh and Jeremiah Sackie with the crimes of terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct respectively, which are in violations of chapter 14, subchapters 14.24, 14.21 and chapter 17 section 17.3 of the revised Penal code of Liberia pending trial by court of competent jurisdiction,” the LNP Charge Sheet revealed. 

At the same time, the Spokesman of the Liberia Nation Police, Sam Collins also said to the knowledge of the LNP, there has been no information per the findings of the investigation as to whether those individuals arrested have links to any of the political parties. 

“We have not established any special political link or any party link in these investigations but they are all Liberians above 18 years and they bear the full responsibilities for their actions, so the police will like to state here that attack on journalist is tantamount to attacking a police officer,” he said.

Monrovia – Famous radio talk show host Henry Costa narrowly escaped mob action by angry traders on Mechlin Street in Central Monrovia whom he believe are members of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

But the while the party has condemned the attack, they also pointed out that there is no evidence to that those who carried out the attack are members of the party.

Mr. Sam Mannah, spokesman to Senator George Weah told this paper that he believes those who carried out the attack were aggrieved citizens expressing their disenchantment against Costa.

He, however, added that the political leader of the CDC does not condone such acts.

Narrating his own ordeal, Costa said the traders, who once saw him as a hero and always cheered him up whenever he was in the area, ganged up against him when decided to greet them as usual.

“This group of people who sell there on Mechlin Street… I normally run into them and they’ll be cheering me up like a hero, like I’m their idol, but today it was very different, I went into the meeting and when I came outside I saw this angry crowd, you could see the viciousness in their faces – they were roughly about 40 people, men and women, young and old and they were angry and they were shouting at me, very angry,” he narrated his ordeal.

According to him, the mob threatened to burn his house and car if he continued speaking negatively against Senator George Weah, standard bearer of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

He said the mob threw sachets of water at him and he escaped the scene through the back door of the building he was in, notwithstanding, the mob chased his vehicle.

He lamented people who have different views from the CDC would not be tolerated under a CDC-led government.

In a statement, Senator Weah in a statement condemned the action against Costa, describing it as “despicable and unsavoury behaviour”.

In a statement, Sen. Weah, who is currently in Nigeria said, “I would like to in this public manner condemn such despicable and unsavoury behaviour.

Such act should have no place in our body politics and our society as a whole. I hereby distance myself and our political institution from this act of violence; and any action geared towards the suppression of freedom of speech and freedom of the press.”

The CDC standard bearer noted that political differences should never lead to violence against fellow citizens.

 “This is one of the anti-democratic practices we have fought against as an institution; and the very tenets of democracy that we have fought for over the past decade, therefore we stand against any action that has the propensity to derail the gains we have made in this regard,” he added.

He iterated that the CDC is a signatory to the Farmington River declaration which is geared towards maintaining the peace.

“Therefore, we remain committed to that effort. In furtherance of this, I would like to emphatically state that the CDC embraces press freedom and will not tolerate any act of violence against any media practitioner or media entity.”

Weah: “It is my fervent hope that our common heritage as Liberians will continue to bind us together and that our diverse political views should never stand in the way of the unity we share, the peace we are proud of, and the true tenets of democracy we espouse.

Once again, I condemn this act against Mr. Costa in the strongest term; and hope that we will learn to be tolerant of others’ views; as we strive for a United Liberia where all can live in peace and harmony despite our political views and social status.”

Paynesville – With less than fourteen days to the Presidential and general elections on October 10, 2017, Montserrado County District#6 Representative aspirant, Henry Costa, has vowed to create better living conditions for residents of electoral district#6 if elected as representative in the upcoming elections of October 10 2017.

Report by Augustine T. Tweh – augustine.tweh@frontpageafricaonline.com

“You see me, I am a young man, 35 years old. I don’t know plenty book but this is what I know—I know right from wrong; I know injustice from justice; I know inequality from equality and I know suffering and I know enjoyment. And I know one thing—I know that we deserve better in this country, and we must demand better in this country,” he said. 

He made the statement over the weekend during the official launch of his political campaign in the Rehab Community, District#6 Montserrado County before his supporters. 

Costa said as part of his policy to meet the needs of residents in the district, he will give 30% of his salary and benefits to the district for development, emphasizing that the development agenda of the district remains his key priority. 

“One man make US$17,410 every single month, when many of you are struggling to pay your children tuition, when you are struggling to pay your rent, when you struggle and go to hospital and get turned down because you can’t pay your hospital bill. It is not fair.”

“Those are what I have said and maintain that if I am elected by God’s willing, with your vote, I will cut my salary and benefits by 30%.” 

He added that as part of his legislative function, he will introduce a healthcare reform bill, Liberia Economic Empowerment Bill and Anti -Corruption Bill to tackle some of the many challenges confronting Liberians. 

“We want to bring doctors and nurses to this country, doctors that are specialized in different fields and medicine that doctors here are not specialized in.

“We are talking about cancer doctors, heart doctors, and brain doctors.”

“We are talking about all kinds of doctors. So that when our people get sick they will not have to die because their family can’t raise money to send them to America, Ghana or China for operation,” he said. 

He said Liberians have suffered for too long from leadership let down in the hands of politicians causing them not believe in them anymore. 

The famous talk show host noted that Liberia can only be a better place if Liberians elect leaders with integrity and morals in the Executive Mansion and Capitol Building. 

“You see this country, this country will only begin to get better when we have good people in the Executive Mansion and good people in the Capitol building,” he averred. 

He further added that if elected as representative of District#6 Montserrado County, he will serve as the mouth piece of the district to expose every dirty deed in the House of Representatives to bring about transparency and accountability to the honorable body. 

“I want to be the chichipolay in the House. That means I want to be the guy who says everything that they do in house outside to bring about transparency and accountability to the House of Representatives,” he remarked.           

He further averred that his ambition to contest the highest seat of the district is based on the inability of political leaders in the district to demonstrate their political wills and liberate their citizens from bad living conditions. 

“My reason for contesting is simple, if politicians have been serving well, I will not be running but because they have failed their people so I have stepped up to demonstrate that it is possible to be different, it’s possible not to be a crook, it’s possible to accept lower salary and benefits and is possible to seek the interest of the people,” he stated. 

Monrovia – The All Liberian Party candidate in Montserrado County electoral district-6, Henry Costa, Saturday brought the entire Rehab community to a standstill as surging crowds packed the main route to the Roberts International Airport.

Report by Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Rehab road junction, venue of the program, was awash in white and red colors as thousands of supporters thronged the venue of the campaign launch.

It was indeed a spectacular scene as supporters of Costa danced to brass-band music of local tunes like “Costa is our hero”, “Costa will give them Pressure” and many more.

“We are indeed excited; we are going to vote for Costa and ALP, this is the time for change.”

Addressing the crowd, Costa said he decided to listen to his friends because “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

“I decided to listen to the voice of the people who have asked me to go into politics,” Costa said.

He promised that if he is successful, he will pledge thirty percent of his salary and benefits to the District Development Council of District Number 6 for development purposes.

He also pledged to introduce a “Buy Liberian” act at the House, which would require the Government of Liberia to purchase goods and services from Liberian-owned firms that made competitive offers.

Noted for his unbending criticism against those he sees as lacking in patriotism in doing the people’s work, Costa has enjoyed a stream of commendations that he foresees as added advantage.

He said if he is successful, he continues to run his Costa Show, since he says there is no law that prohibits him – even as a member of the House of Representatives – from hosting the show.

Though he does not see any conflict of interest there, if he is successful, there might be opposition from some quarters against him, should he continue to run the show as he runs it now.

Many of those who oppose his strong positions in issues think he cannot eat his cake and have it at the same time, and therefore Costa may open himself for criticism, since he would be branded with the very people he had heaped attacks on in previous years.

Costa said he will bring up issues in committee rooms and on the House floor for discussion on his talk show, to get let the people know what is going on.

And while that may seem probable, the real challenge is if, when he is crowned as a representative of district six and his colleagues decide to bring him into their fold, whether he will be different.

To this, Costa said he will not veer from his critical stance, nor is he expecting to be liked by his prospective colleagues in the House.

Monrovia – Love him or hate him, talk show host Henry Costa epitomizes everything that nearly everyone in Liberia wants to say about the current leadership in Liberia but won’t.

Report by Rodney D. Sieh, rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

While many say, he defies the convention of the extreme in his daily critique of the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf-led government, on his early morning breakfast show, his entry into the rugged jungle of the Liberian political terrain is a gamble many of his critics appear certain could serve as a litmus test of Mr. Costa’s popularity on the national level as he embraces and ventures into a territory that could make or break his standings albeit perceptions among his followers.

As he prepares to contest the representative seat in the soon-to-be vacated District of former Speaker Edwin Melvin Snowe, Mr. Costa, regardless of the outcome will be hoping that the 180,000 followers on his show social media platform and another 33,000 on his personal page will follow him all the way to the ballot box in October.

As polarizing as he is to many, his quest to replace former Speaker Edwin Melvin Snowe, who is redirecting his representation to Bomi County in the upcoming elections, Mr. Costa says he has no intention of changing his persona for the political journey ahead.

  “I don’t intend to attempt a futile of changing who I intrinsically am. I am Henry Costa, they must accept me as I am.”

Change or not, Mr. Costa faces an increasing number of challenges. At least thirteen others are also eyeing the district seat.

They include gospel recording artist Kanvee Adams and Samuel Enders, who runs a school funded by Presbyterian in America which his critics say he is using as a launching pad to the legislative branch.

Mr. Costa’s brash style has made him few friends and it is one he hopes will elevate him to perform wonders in a lower house that has taken a hit from critics for failing to address lingering bread and butter issues affecting Liberians today.

For Mr. Costa, who says he intends to take a 30-percent pay cut if elected, “it is unacceptable that lawmakers make too much money while their constituents suffer.”

In addition to his plans to slash his salary, Mr. Costa also says he will push an aggressive health care reform bill which would seek to bring doctors and nurses who are active or retired in the United States to be placed at both public and private hospitals across the country.

“These foreign doctors would work together with local doctors to provide skills and knowledge,” he says.

In Liberia though, things are easier said then done and many of Mr. Costa’s critics fear he may not be able to deliver on much of his promises, making particular reference to football legend George Weah who has been criticized for not making much of an impact since entering the Liberian Senate.

But Mr. Costa appears content in what he will be able to accomplish.

“I am different because for the last five years I have remained constant in my advocacy. I have been to jail twice, wrongfully, because of the struggle for social and economic justice in Liberia.

Even after my radio station, Voice FM, was shut down by the government, I never stopped talking.

I am the only aspirant in the race with a solid track record of a consistent fight for a better Liberia. And I have raised thousands of dollars for tons of sick and needy Liberians to seek medical treatment abroad.”

In only a matter of months, Mr. Costa’s brash style, though extreme at times could come face to face with the political realities.

There are some who feel he goes a bit too far or over the edge at times. Others say he simply doesn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.

But Costa remains unapologetic and insists that one of his first order of business would be to push for the impeachment of an associate justice on the Supreme Court bench.

“I will seek to have Associate Justice Jemima Wolokollie impeached for travesty of justice.”

Wolokollie has been on the receiving end of some of Mr. Costa’s harshest criticisms due to her mishandling of the Ecobank – Milal Hage controversial case. Mr. Costa is unsure why the verdict has not been read since it was decided by the court.

At a welcome bash last week, Costa who is running under the banner of the All Liberia Party (ALP) is vowing to go door-to-door to ensure that the ruling Unity Party government does not return to power.

“We have to make sure Joe Boakai doesn’t win and we must elect Benoni Urey as president. I have stated repeatedly that a Boakai election will be a woeful continuation of the madness in this country.”

Will Liberia accept the loud-mouth, unapologetic talk show host?

More importantly, how will he fit into a lower House whose members have been on the receiving end of a lot of his rantings?

Win or lose, Costa says, he will continue to fight for those languishing at the bottom of the economic ladder.

“It’s not about me but about the people. I want to be part of the process to help transform their lives,” he says.

Monrovia – Liberia’s controversial talk show host and political commentator, Henry Costa, says his desire to become a lawmaker will in no way stop him from advocating for the Liberian people through his radio program.

Gerald C. Koinyeneh, Gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Speaking to hundreds of supporters and residents of District #6 in Montserrado County at a voters registration jamboree organized by “Team Costa” over the weekend, Costa said since he expressed his desire to contest as representative of District 6, many of his follower and supporters have questioned whether he will continue his staunch advocacy when elected.

“Recently I have been familiarizing with the rules of the Honorable House of Representatives. And I say this to you, I have read nowhere in those rules, where a sitting member of a legislature cannot, while sitting, conduct a radio talk show.

It is not written anywhere. Therefore, I shall not only be a representative, I shall be political commentator Henry Costa,” he asserted.

District No. 6 is expected to be vacated by incumbent Edwin Melvin Snowe with several Liberians already lining up to fill the shoes of the former speaker who has made his intentions to run as a legislative conspirant in Bomi County.

He said being elected as lawmaker would give him more opportunities and privileges to carry on robust advocacy.

“The entire House of Representatives is afraid of the Costa Show. Imagine when I do become a member of the House of Representatives, and then you combine official authority with the ‘Costa Show;’ the combination of the two is a cataclysm.

“It will send fear down their spines. They will know that when I look at them in their eyes while they advocate against your interest and for themselves, I will be reporting them to you the very next day. And this time, it won’t be second hand but first hand,” Costa averred.

Costa disclosed that the current members of the Legislature get over US$40 million as salary, while majority of the nation’s citizens live on less than US$1.00 a day; something he described as unfair.

He promised that when elected he would waive 30 percent of his salary and benefits and would petition his colleagues to do the same.

“I believe the reason why I want to be your representative is for you to say, if Hon. Costa can do it.

Representative John Brown can do it. I will give up 30% of my salary and benefit. My very first communication is to ask plenary to take a voluntary 30% cut and increase the salary of our immediate staffs. And that will place my colleagues against their own staffers.  And my first bill shall seek to empower Liberian entrepreneurs,” he said.

Describing Liberia as a lost soul wandering in the wilderness, the talk show host turned politician vowed to push of the establishment of an anti-corruption court; something he said that President Sirleaf has failed to do, despite making the pledge in two separate Annual Messages.

The Jamboree was characterized by speeches and voters registration messages from officials of the All Liberian Party and the community residents and musical performances by some of Liberia’s popular artistes including Soul Fresh and Queen V.

Monrovia – Popular radio show host, Henry P. Costa’s declaration of intent to be a Representative of electoral District #6 in Montserrado County firing many storms on social media.

Report by Selma Lomax, selmalomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

Since announcing his intention via his Facebook page Sunday, January 15 that he would be a candidate this October, social media has gone agog.

Costa said his declaration to contest in electoral district six was in response to several petitions presented him by his supporters, urging him to contest.

“A few months ago I have been under serious pressure from thousands of supporters and sympathizers to contest in the pending 2017 elections.

“And I strongly believed we can’t effect the change we have yearning for from outside.”

“So, on this note, I want to announce that I will be a candidate for electoral district six in Monsterrado County,” Costa posted on his Facebook.

He also said he has no money to share and added that he was not going into politics for financial gains, but to “push” himself to improve the country.

The talk show host said he believes the constituency has a lot of human resources that could be harnessed for the development of the district.

If elected, he said he intends to establish a constituency development fund for infrastructural projects in the district.

However, Costa’s declaration has generated an avalanche of reactions as some believe the talk show host doesn’t have the money to execute his ambition while others contend that he should be given a chance.

One critic, Derick Benson, commenting in the Darius Dillion Center for Intellectual Exchange on Facebook fired at Costa, saying he doesn’t have money to execute his ambition.

“Election in Liberia now requires money and Costa doesn’t have the money.

“He may have the youth but campaigns in Liberia have evolved into money making venture. And I believed he doesn’t have the money to do so.

“This guy’s ambition is dead on delivery,” he wrote.

But another respondent, Jerry Johnson on the same platform replied Derick, saying “Costa remains my favorite.

He already has people whose minds are made-up and can’t be convinced by his contenders.

It’s a welcome development, if young, intelligent, brave and energetic Liberians begin to stand up and get involved in serving this great country.”

Another commenter, Alexander Colmah posted Sunday.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the loving people of district #6 and Liberia at large I present to you your representative and Speaker of the 54 National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia Henry P. Costa….

Ashford H Garley Sr. , a supporter of Costa, posted: “My choice for Representative in District #6 – Henry P. Costa – a change is finally in sight!