Former VP Taylor Visits Imprisoned Lawmakers -Calls for Respect for Rule of Law

By: Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr

MONROVIA – Former Vice President of Liberia Jewel Howard Taylor on Sunday paid a visit to the Monrovia Central Prison, where four sitting lawmakers – including former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa – are currently detained on charges linked to the recent arson attack on the Capitol Building.

In a brief interaction with reporters outside the prison compound, Madam Taylor expressed sorrow over the detention of former House Speaker Koffa, whom she described as more than just a political colleague.

“It is very sad to see my brother Kofa being imprisoned. This is something I never expected,” she said. “But again, because he respects the rule of law, he’s following through. Fonati is someone who respects the law, so we are hoping the legal process will take its natural course.”

Cllr. Koffa was ordered jailed over the weekend along with Representatives Abu Bana Kamara of Montserrado District #15, Dixon Seboe of Montserrado District #16, and Jacob Debee of Grand Gedeh District #3, on multiple charges related to the Capitol Building fire incident that shocked the nation.

Authorities allege that the lawmakers played a role in orchestrating the blaze, which caused significant damage to the historic legislative facility.

Taylor emphasized her commitment to legal due process and called on the public to allow the court system to carry out its work without interference.

“Let them appear in court, and then we can all watch to see how the process goes. But I know Liberia is a country of law,” she noted. “Whatever the case is, we will follow the rule of law because that’s what we believe in.”

The former Vice President confirmed that she was able to see all four detained lawmakers, and that they are in good physical condition. “I just came to see him (Koffa) and say hello,” she said, adding that she also saw Representatives Kamara, Seboe, and Debee, who “are all doing well.”

Sunday’s visit marked the first high-profile show of solidarity for the embattled lawmakers, whose arrest has sparked mixed reactions across the political landscape.