‘Ready Always to go to Jail for Liberian People’ -Rep. Foko Says, Walking Proudly from Police Questioning

MONROVIA – Contrary to widespread expectations that Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko would have been charged and remanded by the Liberian National Police yesterday when he initially failed to show up as a “person of interest” in relation to the Capitol Building fire, Representative Foko walked out yesterday in a jubilant mood amidst cheers and victory chants from his supporters after undergoing four hours of grueling interrogation by the police.

Expressing his elation immediately after his release, Representative Foko said: “As it relates to my position today, at police headquarters, we went through the process. Things were concluded, as you can see. I am a free and good citizen.”

Continuing, he said quite jubilantly: “I am a free and law-abiding citizen. Yesterday, I received a text message followed by a call to have visited the charge of quarters. In no time, while getting ready, I saw armed men at my residence. So, the issue of my security was at stake. I chose to not walk out of my yard to go to Central because I did not understand the plans of those security officers. And I remained at home. I cannot run away from Liberia. This is where I am proud of, and I cannot leave this country.”

Representative Foko’s appearance at the Police headquarters yesterday followed hours of intense negotiations by the leadership of the pro-Koffa group, whose ranking members were seen ferrying between the LNP headquarters on Capitol Bye-Pass and Foko’s residence in District #9.

Embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility, Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Korlubah, among others, exerted a significant level of shuttle diplomacy, leading to Representative Foko’s appearance yesterday.

Speaking to the media at his residence following his release, Representative Foko extolled his party, the Congress for Democratic Change and its leader, former President George M. Weah, House Speaker Fonati Koffa and the entire “Integrity Team” for standing by him when he needed them most.

“Today, respectfully, I submitted myself to the Charge of Quarters, and I explained based on those inquiries that the police had, and I am here today,” he said.

“Thanks to my team who call us the right people; the people who respect the rule of law,” Foko said. “We refer to our team as the Integrity Team, the team that stands for the laws of this country.

“Honorable J. Fonati Koffa remains the Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, no matter the chicaneries and tricks to distract us from standing with Fonati. We are with J. Fonati Koffa. If you like, you can come and arrest me to put me in jail. I am prepared to die for the Liberian people. I am prepared to go to jail for the Liberian people.”

“In as much as I am doing the right thing by seeking the interest of the people that I represent, I will not cease from speaking to the world, from speaking to all Liberians,” Representative Foko stated emphatically.

The Post from the Police Charge of Quarters

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Police Charge of Quarters, Representative Foko wasted no time to inform the public about his current situation.

According to Foko, he arrived at the headquarters of the Liberian National Police (LNP) following their request for his interaction regarding the statement he made several months ago bordering the “burning down of the Capitol Building”.

“As a law-abiding citizen, I respect the processes of the justice system and remain committed to ensuring that any inquiry or investigation is conducted in accordance with the law and due process,” he maintained.

“Throughout my time in public service, I have always prioritized the safety and well-being of our citizens, and I strongly believe in the importance of maintaining peace and order in our communities. It is in this spirit that I am engaging with the Liberian National Police today, hoping to contribute in any way that might be necessary to support their efforts in ensuring accountability and justice.

He continued: “While I fully acknowledge the significance of their inquiry, I want to emphasize that my actions and statements have always been driven by a commitment to the welfare of Liberia and its people. I trust that the LNP, as an institution charged with upholding the rule of law, will carry out this investigation in a fair, independent, and impartial manner. It is my hope that these processes will not be influenced by political considerations, as the pursuit of justice should remain above all political and personal interests. 

He reiterated his unwavering support for the continued peace and stability of the country, indicating that every Liberian deserves to live in a society where their safety is guaranteed, and the rule of law is upheld without exception.

He thanked Liberians who continue to support his efforts for a robust Legislature and engaging various platforms the youths aspire for.

“I trust that we will continue to work together as a nation to ensure that justice prevails, and that Liberia remains on the path to peace, progress, and prosperity for all,” Rep. Foko stated stoically.

2 Comments
  1. Anonymous says

    Absolutely, this is a major National Security neglect and failure. Where were members of Liberia’s joint security? Where were the Ministry of Justice, the LNP, EPS, NSA, and the other key members of Liberia’s Joint security when certain parts of the House of Representatives were selectively targeted, attacked and calculatedly set on fire?

    Did the Ministry of Justice, Heads of the LNP, EPS, and NSA and the other key members of Liberia’s Joint Security not know and trust that the Capitol Building, the official seat of the House and Senate demanded and carefully required swift day-to-day patrol, inspection and National Security monitoring and protection while the Koffa-led Minority Bloc and Koon-led Majority Bloc are deeply engulfed in power struggle and conflict?

    Are there no CCTVs/Cameras installed and posted everywhere at the Capitol Building, the official Seat of the House and the Senate? Indeed, the Wed, 12/18/2024, FIRE criminally and intentionally started at the Capital Bldg., constitutes a grave and circulated National Security Neglect and National Security Failure by Liberia’s National Security Agencies.

    How much more neglect and failure are we/Liberians to see?

    Under the laws of Liberia, an accused investigated and found guilty of the Crime of Arson, has committed a Felony of the Second degree. If he/she is investigated, indicted, prosecuted, and found guilty as charged, such accused/defendant (s) could be sentenced to jailed at the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) for between 5years to10years.

    Please read, § 15.1 Arson

    A person is guilty of arson, a felony of the second degree, if he starts a fire or causes an explosion with the purpose of:

    (a) Destroying a building or occupied structure of another;
    (b) Destroying a vital public facility. (Penal Law – Title 26 – Liberian Code of Laws Revised, Vol IV, Title 26, published April 3, 1978)

    Why was this FIRE selectively started and set at the Joint Chambers of the House and Senate, the current seating place of the Majority Bloc?

    Thorough and impartial investigation needs to be had.

    Liberia’s National Legislature (The House and Senate), may appropriate and applied US$1.8M to renovate the Capitol Building as they wish.

    But the Boakai GoL, must swiftly investigate, indict, arrest, and prosecute and if found guilty, imprison ALL those found guilty as charged.

    Let Justice be done, irrespective of who is charged and convicted.

    Cllr. Frederick A.B. Jayweh, Esq.
    fjayweh.criss@outlook.com
    Mobile: 720-731-7994

  2. drover sointeru says

    The subsequent time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my choice to read, however I really thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you happen to werent too busy on the lookout for attention.

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