Vadarlak Patricks, head of the civil group Campaigners for Change, has issued a strong warning regarding a potential march on the Capitol, the seat of the Liberian Legislature, in response to ongoing political maneuvers aimed at removing Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa illegally. In a statement broadcasted on major radio stations across Liberia, Patricks urged Liberians to prepare for action against what he described as the so-called “majority” members of the House of Representatives seeking to oust Koffa without meeting Constitutional requirements.
During a press conference, Patricks declared that if the Supreme Court orders lawmakers to return to session following a hearing on Monday, “we will be on hand to act in defense of the Constitution.” He asserted that any illegal political tactics used to circumvent the constitutional process for removing House Speaker would be met with resistance.
The citizens’ group emphasized its support for Speaker Koffa, urging him not to resign. “We are tired of individuals trying to short-circuit the Constitution by demanding the ousting of the Speaker,” Patricks said. “We want Speaker Koffa to hold on and not resign in defense of the Constitution.”
He also highlighted that the group has informed international community about the actions of certain lawmakers, who he said are deliberately violating the constitution. Patricks pointed to the Unity Party as a significant player in what he termed an attempt to subvert the Constitution.
“The Unity Party hasn’t taken any steps to address these breaches,” he noted, while acknowledging a public statement from the CDC calling for an end to lawmakers’ transgressions in the scheme against Speaker Cllr. Koffa.
Patricks asserted that Liberians, both at home and abroad, are fed up with ongoing violations of the Constitution. “It’s time for us to gather at the Capitol to halt these constitutional violations,” he stated.
He claimed that thousands of citizens are prepared to converge at the Capitol on Monday in defense of the Constitution, rallying support for the Speaker and advocating for adherence to legal processes.
The situation remains tense as the Supreme Court’s hearing and ruling on the lawmakers’ actions approaches, with many citizens eagerly awaiting a resolution to this ongoing political struggle.
