The Youth League of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has called for the expulsion of party lawmakers accused of conspiring to remove House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
In a press conference on Friday, Eddie Tarawali, Acting Chairman of the CDC Youth League, condemned the alleged “coup attempt” against Mr. Koffa and criticized those within the party supporting it.
According to Mr. Tarawali, any CDC lawmaker involved in the plot against Speaker Koffa is undermining the party’s unity and should face disciplinary action.
“The Executive Committee must act swiftly to expel any lawmakers who prioritize personal ambition over party loyalty,” he stated, urging the CDC leadership to send a strong message of accountability.
The Youth League’s criticism comes amid reports that at least seven CDC lawmakers are backing a coalition of representatives pushing for Speaker Koffa’s removal.
The group has not disclosed the lawmakers’ identities but emphasized the need for immediate intervention to preserve the party’s integrity.
Tensions have risen in recent weeks, with accusations that police presence around the Capitol has been ramped up to intimidate both lawmakers and citizens.
The Youth League described the increased security as an attempt by authorities to stifle opposition voices and erode democratic principles.
“This is not just an attack on Speaker Koffa; it’s an attack on our democracy,” Mr. Tarawali declared.
The Youth League also appealed to international organizations and local civil society groups to take note of the situation, calling it a “glaring act of bribery.”
They alleged that members of the Executive Branch are financially incentivizing lawmakers to support Koffa’s ouster, an action the Youth League claims could destabilize Liberia’s governance.
In a bold accusation, the Youth League named Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung as the mastermind behind the alleged coup.
Mr. Tarawali asserted that the Vice President is employing “desperate political tactics” to weaken opposition influence in the legislature and consolidate power, a move he described as a betrayal of the democratic process.
Mr. Tarawali expressed concerns over the reported misuse of public funds, accusing those behind the plot of diverting over $1.5 million in state resources to fuel the campaign against Speaker Koffa.
The allegations have intensified calls for transparency and accountability within the highest levels of government.
“The CDC Youth League stands firmly against the creation of an imperial presidency,” Mr. Tarawali warned, adding that such attempts to centralize power represent a significant threat to the country’s democratic values.
He emphasized that party unity is essential to defending Liberia’s governance structures from subversion.
To further mobilize support for Koffa, the Youth League announced plans for a three-day retreat in mid-November.
Mr. Tarawali stated that the retreat, scheduled for November 14-17, will serve as a rallying point for CDC youth across the nation to reaffirm their commitment to party principles and democratic practices.
“This is a crucial period for both the CDC and Liberia,” Mr. Tarawali said, stressing the need for all party members to stand against the “unconstitutional power grab” orchestrated by the opposition.
He expressed confidence that party loyalty will prevail in the face of what he termed the “evil plan” by supporters of opposition leader Joseph Boakai.
The accusations against the Vice President and other opposition members signal a deepening rift within Liberia’s political landscape.
The Youth League’s actions represent an escalation in the CDC’s internal response, as they vow to defend Speaker Koffa’s position and resist any moves to destabilize the party’s influence in the House.
Mr. Tarawali’s statements also underscored the broader concerns within the CDC regarding alleged attempts to weaken the party’s legislative representation.
The Youth League asserts that such actions endanger Liberia’s progress and the trust placed in the CDC by its supporters.
As the situation develops, the Youth League’s statements have attracted significant attention from political observers, with analysts noting the potential implications for Liberia’s upcoming legislative session.
The retreat in November is expected to gauge the strength of CDC support for Koffa and clarify the party’s stance on internal dissent.
In conclusion, the CDC Youth League’s call for disciplinary action against its lawmakers signals a heightened commitment to preserving party unity and resisting any perceived threats to its leadership.
As Liberia’s political climate becomes increasingly polarized, the coming weeks may prove critical for Speaker Koffa, the CDC, and the broader democratic process in Liberia.
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