Monrovia, Liberia – In a major disciplinary move, Liberia’s ruling Unity Party (UP) has suspended 28 ranking members of its National Executive Committee (NEC), including Finance Minister Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan and Information Minister Hon. Jerolinmek Piah, for one month over what the party describes as delinquency in duties and persistent neglect of party responsibilities.
The decision, announced in a press release issued on Sunday, follows a Special Sitting of the NEC held on September 13, during which the body resolved to take strong measures against internal complacency and absenteeism. The suspended officials were cited for repeated failure to attend NEC meetings and for not participating in key party activities, despite receiving several warnings.
The Unity Party described the actions of the affected officials as a violation of their obligations, stating that their conduct undermines the values of accountability and collective responsibility that the party espouses.
“The Unity Party views these acts of noncompliance and absenteeism as a neglect and complacency of the trust reposed in them,” the release stated.
The disciplinary measures are in accordance with Articles 19 and 16, Subsection 4 of the Unity Party’s Constitution. The suspended individuals have also been fined US$1,000 each, which must be paid to the party’s account during the suspension period. Receipt of payment is to be presented at the next NEC sitting. Failure to comply, the party warns, will lead to expulsion from the committee.
In addition to the suspensions, the NEC also resolved to urge all due-paying members to settle outstanding dues within one month, warning that further noncompliance will attract consequences, also in line with the party’s constitutional provisions.
The Unity Party emphasized that these actions are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal discipline and ensure that its leadership remains active and committed.
“The Unity Party reassures its partisans and the public of its commitment to upholding discipline, unity, and collective responsibility in building a stronger institution that serves the interest of the Liberian people,” the statement concluded.
Full List of Suspended Members:
1. Hon. Nee-alah Varpilah
2. Hon. Martha Morris
3. Sen. Nya D. Twayen, Jr. (NEC Member/Nimba – Senate)
4. Hon. Francis S. Nyumalin
5. Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie
6. Hon. Magdalene E. Dagoseh
7. Hon. Lorpu Kandakai
8. Hon. Richard Ngafuan
9. Hon. Gizzie K. Kollince (D#4 Lofa County)
10. Hon. J. Obadiah Varney (D#1 Bomi County)
11. Hon. Mannah B. Johnson (D#2 Bomi County)
12. Cllr. Bushuben M. Keita
13. Cllr. Augustine Fayiah
14. Dr. Louise Kpoto
15. Atty. Kula B. Fofana
16. Hon. S. Tornorlah Varpilah
17. Hon. Josephine George Francis
18. Hon. Harrison O. Kai (Acting County Chairman, Sinoe)
19. Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan
20. Cllr. Neto Z. Lighe
21. Hon. Wilmot J.M. Paye
22. Hon. Glakpai W. Kortimai
23. Hon. James Fromayan
24. Hon. Joash T. Hodges
25. Hon. Julius Dennis
26. Hon. J. Alexander Nuetah
27. Hon. Jerolinmek Matthew Piah
28. Hon. Julius K. Sele
All suspended members are required to pay a $1,000 fine during the suspension period, with the exception of Hon. Harrison O. Kai, who was suspended without mention of a fine.
The Unity Party’s firm stance is being viewed as a critical moment for internal reform, as the party seeks to maintain cohesion and discipline ahead of future political engagements.
