Monrovia, Liberia- Following the recent detention of five sitting lawmakers in connection with Capitol Building arson attack, Mr. Byron Brown, Media Supervisor to the recently detained Former Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Fonati Koffa, has issued a public apology after facing backlash for inflammatory remarks calling on opposition supporters to “chase government officials.”
The statement, which was circulated widely on social media and sparked concern among civil society groups, came in the emotional aftermath of the arrest of Koffa and four other lawmakers earlier over the weekend.
In a reflective and remorseful message released Saturday, Mr. Brown expressed deep regret over his choice of words, describing them as “below the belt.”
Brown, in a statement said as human at times get emotional and use phrases or words that are not to be used.
“Yes, I know as humans at times we get emotionally attached and words do come out when speaking,” Brown wrote. “I found myself in a precarious situation tearing in my car watching my boss being headed to jail which I couldn’t withstand as a human being.”
Brown clarified that his remarks were made out of emotional distress and were not intended to incite violence.
“No man is prone from making mistakes,” he continued. “I want to seize this moment to publicly apologize to Liberians about my statement made of targeting government officials.”
Emphasizing his commitment to peace and national stability, Brown stressed that he does not condone violence in any form.
“Our country has had enough,” he wrote. “We can’t afford to plunge our beloved nation into anarchy because of political differences.”
He also acknowledged members of the media and others in his circle who reached out to express concern and hold him accountable.
The former Speaker media supervisor noted: “Thanks to my friends; the media, my mystic brothers for holding my feet to the fire and reaching out to me. I’m sorry.”
The apology has sparked a mixed reaction among the public. Some citizens welcomed the gesture as a step toward de-escalation, while others urged greater responsibility from political communicators in tense national moments.
Brown’s remarks follow days of heightened political tension and unrest, including an incident in Logan Town where unidentified men attempted to create a roadblock in apparent protest of the lawmakers’ detention.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the broader fallout from the arrests.
As the political climate remains volatile, observers say the tone and language of public figures will play a critical role in either preserving or jeopardizing Liberia’s fragile peace.
