By Stephen G. Fellajuah
A constituent member of Liberia’s biggest opposition bloc, the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), and Standard Bearer of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, has expressed shock, dismay and disappointment over what he termed the failure of the current CPP Chairperson, Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai, to speak on the current allegations against him and the internal wrangling within the party.
Making his displeasure known on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, immediately after he had filed a bond against his arrest order issued January 3, 2022 by the Monrovia City Court through the Chairman of the All Liberian Party (ALP), Mr. Theodore Momoh, Mr. Cummings who triumphantly entered the Monrovia City Court amidst jubilation from his many supporters, later exited in a raucous fashion after filing a criminal appearance bond.
Speaking to the media as he was about to embark into his guarded bullet-proof vehicle, Cummings minced little words about the manner and form of his indictment, noting his disappointment in Chairman Joseph Nyumah Boakai who is standing aloof as the CPA disintegrates.
“I am surprised that the Chairman of the CPP, former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai, continues to remain silent and fails to speak out on this allegation and fight that is in the CPP,” Mr. Cummings stated nonchalantly, adding, “We are not deterred because this fight is about changing Liberia and the system that has taken advantage of the Liberian people.”
Continuing, Cummings said: “I believe that Mr. Urey is going after me because he is a paid agent of the government of Liberia and they see me as a threat to them”. The ANC further noted that “The Liberian people will still vote for us because we are clean people with good integrity and record. We will make sure we engage with our people”.
Cummings indicated further that plans by the ALP Political Leader Mr. Benoni Urey to disintegrate the CPP will not work because, he (Urey) has no got point and that he will be defeated through the law.
“The judicial system worked today and I am hoping that it will continue to work in the future. I want to appreciate all my supporters and Liberians at large for the support and love shown to me today. This is a clear demonstration of their unconditional love towards me the Standard Bearer of the ANC,” Mr. Cummings said.
It can be recalled that Mr. Alexander B. Cummings was on Tuesday January 4, 2022 released by the Monrovia City Court on orders of the Solicitor General of Liberia, Cllr. Syrenius Cephus, who said no one should challenge the ANC Standard Bearer’s criminal appearance bond.
“Mr. Cummings is an honorable man, and has no intention of leaving the country. He should be accorded 13.5 to release him from whatever charges being placed on him,” Solicitor General Cephus emphasized.
Following the statement by Cllr. Cephus, Magistrate Jomah Jallah immediately ordered the release of Mr. Cummings. He expressed that the ANC Political Leader has fulfilled the requirement to secure his release.
According to 13.5 of the Penal Code, under “Release of defendant without bail, “When from all the circumstances the court is of the opinion that the defendant will appear as required either before or after conviction without giving bail, he may be released without security upon such conditions as may be prescribed to insure his appearance. These conditions may include parole to the custody of a member of the family or other person exercising moral influence over the defendant, or the requirement that the defendant report periodically to a probation officer of the judicial circuit.”
Mr. Cummings and others, it can be recalled, were issued on Monday January 3, 2022 a writ of arrest by the Monrovia City court: to answer to the crimes of forgery and criminal conspiracy herein upon the complaint filed by the Republic of Liberia by and thru the All Liberian Party (ALP).
The accused has been at the center of a major controversy in which some leaders of the CPP alleged that he had altered the CPP Framework Document which was adopted by the Collaboration.
It is believed that several components and segments of the original framework document that was adopted and signed by leaders of the CPP back in May 2020 was severely altered by Mr. Cummings who has also been accused by Benoni Urey of the ALP of causing division within the opposition coalition.
Cummings has since denied the allegations against him claiming that he didn’t alter the document as claimed by his accusers, but cited that he only acted honorably in registering the CPP while acknowledging that the organization has struggled with public distrust and that the looming disagreements have unfortunately spilled into the public.
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