By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The opposition Congress for Democratic Change has launched a scathing attack on the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accusing it of undermining democratic principles and orchestrating the controversial removal of Representative Yekeh Kolubah from the Legislature.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, April 17, 2026, CDC National Chairman Janga A. Kowo alleged that the expulsion of Kolubah was facilitated through financial inducements to lawmakers, describing the process as illegal and politically motivated.
“The CDC denounce absolutely, categorically, and with the full force of revolutionary outrage the deceitful trajectory of President Joseph Boakai,” Kowo declared, accusing the President of prioritizing political survival over national interest. He further alleged that US$25,000 was distributed to 49 lawmakers to secure support for Kolubah’s removal.
According to the CDC, the alleged allocation of approximately US$1.2 million in public funds toward the expulsion raises serious concerns, particularly at a time when the country faces pressing economic and security challenges. “These actions suggest a disregard for Liberia’s democratic principles and risk undermining national stability,” Kowo asserted.
The statement also accused the Boakai administration of defying judicial authority, claiming that the government proceeded with legislative actions despite calls for restraint from the Supreme Court. Kowo warned that “a government that repeatedly disregards the Supreme Court’s orders risks undermining democratic norms and encouraging violence.”
Beyond the Legislature, the CDC leveled serious accusations against state security forces, particularly under the leadership of Inspector General Gregory Coleman. The party alleged widespread human rights abuses, including the suppression of peaceful protests and the targeting of students.
Referencing a recent student demonstration, Kowo claimed that protesters advocating for employment and youth empowerment were met with excessive force. “They were subjected to mass beatings, physical injuries, and unlawful detention without probable cause,” he said, describing the response as a violation of constitutional rights.
The CDC has called on affected students to pursue legal action against the police leadership, urging accountability for what it described as assault, false imprisonment, and abuse of state power. The party pledged its full support to those seeking justice.
Drawing a contrast with its time in power under former President George Weah, the CDC argued that opposition figures, including Kolubah, were previously allowed to express dissent without facing expulsion or state-sponsored retaliation.
Kowo also appealed to the international community to intervene, warning that Liberia’s democratic gains are at risk. “Billions of dollars have been invested in our peace and democracy, and remaining silent as these gains are threatened is a catastrophic risk,” he said, cautioning against potential instability.
In a dramatic escalation, the CDC announced the immediate expulsion of several of its own lawmakers accused of participating in Kolubah’s removal, citing defiance of party directives. The party described the move as necessary to maintain internal discipline and uphold its political stance.
The statement concluded with a stern warning to the Boakai administration, signaling rising political tensions. “Be warned, Mr. Boakai, the people are rising, the resistance has begun, you cannot silence us,” Kowo declared, suggesting that continued disregard for legal and democratic norms could provoke broader public resistance.
