CPP warns government 

By Lincoln G. Peters

The opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) says it would be another catastrophic mistake if the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government tries to prevent a planned peaceful assembly due 17 December 2022.

“Let the government try it, it will be the day the government will see … police officers will try to wave the white flag,’’ Mr. George Wisner, a stalwart of Team Alexander Cummings’ 2023 presidential bid, told an interview on local broadcaster Sky FM Monday morning, 5 December 2022.

Mr. Cummings and his CPP are planning what they claim is a peaceful assembly for 17 December to voice out the suffering of the Liberian people under the CDC regime.

His supporter Mr. Wisner warned the Government of Liberia that they are more dangerous than the mere threat, intimidation, and fear that the government is allegedly issuing.

“This December 17 rally will not be a picture of Soweto,” Mr. Wisner who once headed the National Investment Commission (NIC) during former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s regime, has warned the CDC government.

“What I see happening, there will be another catastrophic mistake on behalf of this government [if] they try to prevent the people from expressing themselves,” Wisner said. 

“Mark my words on this day. I believe these police officers whom the government itself has abused are on the side of the people,” he added.

He said the government has lost the will to stand in the way of the Liberian people, claiming that the rally is not for the CPP, but is providing a platform for the people.

Wisner suggested that the December 17 rally will not be catastrophic if the government provides security and protects its citizens in line with its responsibility.

“This is to the government, the CPP, and the Liberian people – we are more dangerous than fear. You can’t frighten us with fear. Let Mayor Jefferson Koijee and others try the resolve [of the] Liberian people. I dare them,” Wisner said. 

“I dare this government to do something contrary. The people have the right to express themselves. The risk will be by preventing the people from doing so,’’ Mr. Wisner noted.

He added that the Liberian people have decided to approach their government responsibly through the CPP and they have followed all of the processes the government has agreed that the Liberian people can assemble in public space.

Mr. Wisner said they will assemble in front and outside of the stadium because they have made payment and informed the Government of Liberia to provide security protection.

“Minister Zeogar Wilson is very economical on this issue. This government is twisting the Minister’s arm because his office was excited when we made the payment,” Wisner alleged.

He warned that nothing can stop the assembly from happening on December 17 at the stadium.

“Come thunder or rain, we will gather the Liberia people to speak to this government that enough is enough and if you cannot do what you were elected, then shift and leave,’’ he concluded.

For his part, Youth and Sports Minister D. Zeogar Wilson told OK Morning Rush Monday, 5 December 2022 via telephone that nobody, not even the CPP, will use the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex for any political rally.

He said on 16 November 2022, the CPP wrote his office, and his office received the letter on 18 November.

He explained that the CPP requested to use the SKD for a political rally on December 17, 2022, when he was out of the country.

He said he never authorized the CPP because of some ongoing work at the facility.

“I don’t regret any inconvenience this may cause the CPP. The reason is just simple, because, before the CPP went to my finance officers to pay the money for the facility, my special assistant told Martin Kollah and Cllr. Toe that the facility will not be available,” Mr. Wilson claimed. 

“Now, we need to find out from CPP what is their intent because they told my staff that they have put in the time, resources, and planning for that venue when they have not gotten my approval,’’ he noted.