Monrovia – FrontPage Africa has reliably learned that the Liberty Party’s top leadership has unanimously rejected an invitation from the Unity Party (UP) to participate in its December 6 Homecoming event, citing longstanding grievances and a demand for “equity and respect” within the governing alliance.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
According to party insiders, the LP’s National Executive Committee, National Advisory Council, and National Stakeholders Committee convened late Tuesday at the home of the party’s Political Leader. After reviewing the UP’s invitation, the leadership resolved that no executive member from any of the party’s three leadership organs should attend the event.
LP political leader Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence reportedly endorsed the decision to boycott.
During the meeting, LP leaders reaffirmed their support for President Joseph Boakai’s administration but stressed that the Liberty Party “has never been and will never be an auxiliary of the Unity Party.”
Sources say several unresolved issues have strained relations within the alliance.
Top among them are what the LP describes as the UP’s “constant disregard” for Alliance Chairperson Pro-Tempore Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence in major coalition decisions, as well as alleged comments by the UP Chairman referring to the LP and other alliance members as “helping verbs.”
FrontPage Africa has also learned that the dissatisfaction dates back to the aftermath of the Alliance’s 2023 election victory, when the UP Chairman allegedly asked LP representatives to “excuse the room,” insisting the win belonged solely to the Unity Party.
“These actions have gone far enough,” one source noted. “The UP must understand that we are partners in this alliance and deserve respect.”
Representative Rugie Barry (District #1, Montserrado County) serves as the National Chairman of Liberty Party.
The decision reportedly extends to all LP officials serving in government, including lawmakers elected on the party’s ticket. According to insiders, they have been instructed not to appear at the UP’s December 6 gathering.
Sources say Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, a key member of the Liberty also supports the decision to stay away.
While internal tensions within the alliance remain unresolved, LP sources emphasized that the party continues to support President Boakai and his administration. However, they insist that the Unity Party must acknowledge the LP’s contributions and treat the party as a full and respected partner moving forward.
When contacted for comment, neither the LP nor the UP responded to FrontPage Africa’s inquiry up to press time.
