MONROVIA: An OK FM’s investigation has dismissed speculations of two deaths in Saturday’s standoff between supporters of two candidates in the impending by-election in Montserrado’s District # 13.
By Trokon Freeman_trokonfreeman@yahoo.com
Supporters of Unity Party’s candidate, Cornelia Kruah-Togba and Coalition for Democratic Change’s John Weah clashed during separate campaign rallies in the district.
It was widely reported on social media, particularly Facebook that two supporters of Madam Kruah-Togba lost their lives during the campaign violence.
But, an investigation conducted by OK FM provides the contrary.
Even though it was reported that two persons-a female and a male died during the clash, one of those believed to have died was seen at Kamara Clinic in Gardnersville alive.
The man Quayser Martins, 26, told this station during the weekend that he was hit with a cutlass by Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson Koijie.
“Mayor Jefferson Koijie and his men arrived closer to our campaign truck and firstly they took our general from the truck and while trying to get down from the car, Jefferson Koijie slap me with cutlass, and even kick me. while trying to run away,that’s when he again chop my ears with the cutlass,” Martins said.
Quayser in an interview with OK FM on his hospital bed said supporters of John Weah attacked Kruah-Togba’s followers while staging a campaign walk in the district.
The 26 year old man has warned politicians against spreading falsehood, while informing facebook users that he’s not dead.
The victim who claimed to be a member of the CDC has recommended the dismissal of Mayor Koijie.
Although it is being speculated that two supporters of the UP were killed, the former governing party is yet to confirm the report.
The Campaign Manager of Madam Kruah-Togba, Nathaniel Franchan said the party could not confirm the death of any of his partisans.
According to him, they have dispatched party officials to various communities to ascertain the reality behind the claim, but have not verified the information.
Franchan accused Mayor Koijie of shooting during the saga, while accusing Representative Solomon George of bringing down a billboard in front of the campaign office of Candidate Kruah-Togba.
” prior to arrival in the estate, the guys of CDC block the roads; preventing us from entering the estate with our candidate. Out of a Sodom, I heard gun sound three times and immediately one of my friends returning from the estate said Mayor Jefferson Koijie just shot some body dead. Later I personally saw Honorable Koijie with cutlass in his hands along with some of his men and they disturb our entire campaign process. But for now we can not confirm any death because we have dispatched our team to properly investigate the situation.”
According to him, Representative George was seen carrying a cutlass during the riot.
The CDC has however denied any involvement into the impasse.
The Party’s Chairman Milbah Morlu has meanwhile condemned every violent action that occurred in District 13 over the weekend while distancing the party involvement.
His comment is in reaction to Liberty Party Standard Bearer and others’ accusation that Mayor Jefferson Koijee order the flogging of several supporters of candidate Cornelia Kruah.
Chairman Morlu said it was a sad day for the country’s democracy for a political leader to link the Mayor of Monrovia to killing an individual without providing any proof
The CDC has however threatened a lawsuit against Liberty Party Standard Bearer Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence for accusing officials of the CDC.
He also challenged the Bassa Senator and others who are falsely accusing the CDC of instigating violence in District 13 to provide evidence to their claims.
He wants the Liberty Party’s Political leader to stand ready for the CDC legal action for erroneously accusing the City Mayor.
Commenting further the CDC Chair then disclosed that there are folks from the Unity Party planning to execute the Liberian President.
Chairman Morlu called on State Security actors to intervene.
At the same time, the chairman of the opposition Unity Party Wilmot Paye is warning folks within the CDC to desist from using state fund to launch violence against the poor people of Liberia.
He told a news conference Sunday that the incident that took place in District 13 should claim the attention of the National Elections Commission.
It can be recalled during the weekend violence erupted between both supporters of Unity Party and CDC that led to the injury of some citizens in District 13.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the situation also led to the death of at least one person.
The UP’s Chairman further stressed the need for justice to prevail for those who were victimized noting that the days of ruthlessness are over in Liberia.
He called on electorate of the district to go to the pool and vote candidates of their choice void of any intimidation.
Also speaking an executive of the Unity Party Amos Tweh called on the government to prosecute Mayor Jefferson Koijee over allegation of ordering the flogging of peaceful citizens.
According to him it is now time for the President to muster the courage and act in the supreme interest of the people.