CMC Decries Voker High Principal’s Suspension -Complains to NEC, Nimba Legislative Caucus over Govt. Undemocratic Action

MONROVIA – Fresh from holding its first Convention in Saclepea, Nimba where the Citizens’ Movement for Change (CMC) elected a new corps of officers, Liberia’s newest political party has taken serious exception with the government of Liberia over the suspension of the Principal of Johnny Voker High School, Mr. David Yeeyea, for permitting the CMC to use the school’s auditorium for their convention held on DSaturday, March 1, 2025.

Stating its dissatisfaction over Principal Yeeyea’s suspension in a communication addressed March 4 to the National Elections Commission, the CMC said the action allegedly taken by the government against Principal Yeeyea represents an unjust attempt to suppress opposition participation and politicize public institutions, setting a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic process.

“The selective application of administrative decisions to silence political opponents undermines the credibility of our electoral system and discourages free political engagement. If public spaces and institutions are weaponized against opposition parties, our democracy will suffer irreparable damage,” the CMC said in its complaint to NEC.

The Citizens’ Movement for Change further urged the National Elections Commission (NEC) to take this matter seriously and act swiftly to prevent further injustices. The NEC, as a body responsible for free, fair, and transparent elections, must ensure that all political parties – regardless of affiliation – are granted equal access to public spaces for their legitimate political activities, the CMC said.

Reminding the NEC that this same government enjoyed the benefits associated free, fair and transparent electoral processes when it is the leading opposition party, the CMC recalled how just a year ago, the current government – then in opposition freely campaigned across Nimba County, utilizing public schools, town halls, and other state-owned facilities without obstruction. “Now that they are in power, it is unacceptable that they seek to deny others the same opportunity. Such double standards violate the fundamental principles of democracy and fair competition,” the CMC lamented.

“We respectfully call on the NEC to intervene and issue clear directives against any form of political discrimination in the use of public spaces. The integrity of our democracy depends on an electoral process that guarantees a level playing field for all political actors. I trust that the NEC will take immediate steps to address this matter and uphold the democratic rights of all Liberians,” the communication signed by CMC Secretary General Wilfred J.S. Bangura, II, and National Chairman James MV Yougie, said.

Bility complains to Nimba Legislative Caucus

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Rule of Law Caucus of the House of Representatives and Political Leader of the Citizens’ Movement for Change, Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility has lodged a formal complaint to the Nimba County Legislative Caucus over the suspension of Principal Yeeyea.

“I write to formally bring to your attention a matter of grave concern. I have been informed that the principal of Johnny Voker High School has been suspended, allegedly because he permitted the use of the school premises for the organizing convention of our party, Citizens Movement for Change (CMC). This is a deeply troubling development for Nimba County.

“If the government is adopting this posture—introducing partisan politics into the administration of public institutions and local governance simply to suppress opposition—it sets a dangerous precedent. Such actions threaten the democratic values we all uphold.

“Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, I respectfully submit this as a formal complaint and urge the caucus to investigate the matter. I further demand that the school authorities rescind this decision, as it undermines the principles of fairness and inclusivity that should guide public administration.

“We must recall that just over a year ago, this very government, while in opposition, freely campaigned across Nimba County. They used public facilities, town halls, school campuses, and community spaces without hindrance, even as another administration held power. That level of political openness was never denied to them, and it should not now be denied to others.

“This approach is not only unjust but also counterproductive. It has never worked to the advantage of those who seek to employ it. I trust that the caucus will address this matter with the urgency it deserves,” Representative Bility said.