Emmanuel M. Johnson, Chairman of the Revolutionary National Youth League – CDC, has accused the Unity Party government of coercing John Nyanti with cash incentives to serve as a false state witness against lawmakers implicated in the Capitol building fire incident. He condemned the government for violating Nyanti’s constitutional rights and called for his immediate release.
Speaking to the press, Chairman Johnson described the Unity Party government as one founded on falsehood and lacking any clear vision to improve the lives of Liberians.
“The Unity Party government was born on a foundation of falsehood, willing to lie its way to achieve any dubious agenda,” Johnson said. “It’s a government with scattered plans and no real strategy to uplift the people.”
Johnson questioned the legitimacy of the Capitol fire investigation, accusing Police Director Gregory Coleman, JNB, and joint security forces of acting under the orders of Mr. Boakai, whom he criticized for presiding over a starving nation amid rampant corruption.
Johnson revealed that John Nyanti has been held in police custody for over 12 days — far exceeding the 48-hour limit guaranteed by Article 21 of the Liberian Constitution, which ensures detainees are promptly presented before a court.
“This is a blatant violation of Comrade Nyanti’s fundamental rights,” Johnson asserted, demanding Nyanti’s immediate release.
According to Johnson, Nyanti is being held at the Lifestyle Hotel in Thinkers Village under pressure to testify against former Speaker Fonati Koffa and Representatives Dixon W. Seboe, Abu Bana Kamara, and Jacob C. Debee.
He disclosed that the government, through the Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency, coordinated with Nyanti’s cousin, Koffa Nyanti, to facilitate John’s return from exile in Ghana, where he fled fearing for his safety.
Nyanti was allegedly promised immunity from prosecution, a $50,000 reward (only $2,000 paid so far), and relocation to Europe for himself and his family. Meanwhile, his cousin Koffa Nyanti was appointed Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Special Envoy for Trade and Investment.
Family sources confirm Nyanti was coerced and brought back under tight security on June 6.
Despite pressure, Nyanti reportedly resists testifying falsely and is prepared to prove his innocence in court.
Chairman Johnson has called on the international community and human rights groups to intervene urgently and protect Nyanti’s constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, police Spokesperson Cecelia G. Clarke has declined to comment on the matter, citing verification of the information provided by the family and the CDC Youth League before response if necessary.
