Chief Cyril Allen, Chairman Emeritus of the National Patriotic Party and an esteemed elder statesman, has placed the blame squarely for the burning of part of the National Legislature on the Liberian government’s three branches.
Speaking via phone to the Liberian Investigator on Thursday in Monrovia, Chief Allen stated that the recent Supreme Court ruling in the case involving majority bloc lawmakers and House Speaker Cllr. Fornati Koffa was unclear, leading to confusion and unrest in the country.
The NPP Chairman Emeritus emphasized that the National Legislature, as the first Branch of government, should have enough maturity and responsibility to resolve internal disputes without holding the entire country hostage for personal gains. He urged the Executive Branch, under President Joseph N. Boakai, to take immediate action and launch an investigation into the fire that severely damaged a segment of the National Legislature on Wednesday.
“I denounce any violence in the country, especially violence that leads to the destruction of state property built by taxpayers’ money,” Chief Allen remarked. He stressed that there are far more pressing issues that the government and people of Liberia should focus on instead of distractions that have no real impact on the citizens or the state.
Chief Allen called for a thorough investigation into the fire, which he said was devastating. He added that many Liberians, particularly those returning from the diaspora, are pressuring President Boakai for jobs, creating a situation where some are willing to destabilize the country for personal gain. He claimed that many of these individuals, who contributed to the country’s past destruction under former presidents William R. Tolbert, Charles Taylor, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and George Weah, are now desperate to secure positions in the new administration.
The veteran politician criticized these individuals for allegedly squandering government resources only to disappear abroad and use the money for personal benefit. He reminded that the Liberian Constitution mandates the President to take action when the country is brought into disrepute.
Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, whose House of Representatives is deeply divided, expressed his dismay over the fire, calling it an unfortunate and tragic event. He suggested that the Liberian government may need international assistance for a more thorough forensic investigation.
Chief Allen also urged all persons of interest to cooperate with state security to ensure the country’s forward progress.
