Capitol Hill was the scene of chaos on Tuesday, December 17, 2014, as protesters under the banner Concerned Citizens for the Protection of the Constitution and Rule of Law clashed with police officers, leading to intense scrutiny and criticism.
The protests, led by Janjay Baikpeh—a former Grand Bassa County Superintendent and known member of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC)—sparked a national debate over the legitimacy and motives of the demonstration.
In a strongly worded statement titled, “Why the Protest Failed – The Protest Leaders Had a Motive to Paint the Government ‘Black’ and Create Chaos,” prominent activist Martin K. N. Kollie condemned the protest leaders, accusing them of staging the event for political gain rather than genuine advocacy. Kollie, a vocal critic of bad governance and corruption, argued that protests must be rooted in “conviction, patriotism, and legitimate concerns,” not weaponized to provoke unrest.
“This is the leader of the so-called Concerned Citizens for the Protection of the Constitution. His name is Janjay Baikpeh, a diehard CDCian yet to account for his stewardship. In this photo, he decided to put red Kool-Aid on his towel and t-shirt, depicting that the police bloodily brutalized him. How can you ‘bleed’ and still sit so relaxed instead of rushing to a hospital? This is fake, ridiculous, hypocritical, and dishonest,” Kollie stated.
Kollie further alleged that the CDC orchestrated the chaos on Capitol Hill to destabilize the government. He accused protest leaders of hypocrisy, emphasizing their failure to address critical national issues like lawmakers’ excessive salaries, healthcare, education, and unemployment during their tenure in power. “They looted state resources, built private mansions, and abused power. They kept you in poverty,” Kollie argued.
While Kollie’s statement resonated with some, it generated sharp reactions from others. Bob K. Queminee, reacting via Facebook, defended the protesters’ rights and criticized Kollie’s stance as hypocritical. “Being a CDCian doesn’t mean he [Janjay Baikpeh] can’t be a concerned citizen. You’re a diehard fanatic of Mr. Boakai, yet you sometimes criticize him. Does it mean you shouldn’t do so? The June 7 protest you were part of—were you making the government popular?” Queminee questioned. He further labeled President Boakai’s leadership a failure, declaring, “One year down of misrule and we’re awaiting the balance five years.”
Like those from Luther Mendin, other reactions echoed Kollie’s concerns about political exploitation. “It’s clear that some leaders are using these gatherings for their own political gain rather than addressing the real issues facing our country, and this is sad,” Mendin remarked, calling for the same energy that fueled the #BringBackOurMoney movement to advocate for genuine reform.
The chaotic events on Capitol Hill and competing narratives highlight the country’s deepening political divide. While some view the protest as a legitimate exercise of constitutional rights, others see it as a desperate ploy to undermine the government. The incident raises critical questions about activism, accountability, and the need for issue-based discourse over partisan agendas.
Meanwhile, Kollie’s call for peaceful, intellectual, and ideological advocacy has resonated with many, stressing a growing demand for reforms that address Liberia’s systemic challenges. As the debate intensifies, it remains clear that Liberia’s path to progress must prioritize accountability, transparency, and genuine concern for its citizens’ well-being.
