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Culpability of Julu, Koukou and Others, ...the need for cautious approach
Jul 25, 2007
By: Varfley A. Dolleh
Introduction:
With an imbedded force of over fifteen thousand cracked soldiers of the “united Nation Peace Keeping Force, thousands of police and other security organs of the “Liberian Government,” it would appear inconceivable and suicidal for some one to perceive the idea of ousting the “legitimate and international acclaimed Government” of “President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,” even, if there were short falls, resurrecting the debate of culpability and the plausibility of the charges of subversive activities which is a treasonable crime, punishable by death if convicted or at least presidential clemency following long jail term.
Alleged Coup Plot:
Like every one else, it was with astonishment, when we heard the sad new of malicious maneuvering by some prominent citizens to have the “Ellen Government Ousted”. It was received with mixed emotions, especially with the efforts of the “International Community” to foster peace in the Country, and it over all effects on the socio-economic and political climate of the nation and people. Apart, it bothers people as a result of the repercussion on the over all development of the country, taking into account what war has done to the country. We are mindful of the past when subversive activities brought suffering and abject poverty and misery to our people. As a result, no one wants to be party to any thing that will further dampen efforts in the attaining self- reliance after seventeen unbroken years of mayhem.
The main issue is, “Whether or not they attempted over throwing the Government”? It is a difficult answer in lieu of the fact we are yet to get the details of the case. So, it would be a disservice to the “Liberian Government” on the one hand, and the family of the accused on the other hand to come with a judgmental answer. But one thing is glaring, in criminal law, “the burden of prove lies with the accuser”. We should be applauding the Government in being transparent in the production of evidences. I am aware of the stance of the “Liberian Government” about the tangibility of the pieces of evidences at her disposal for the prosecution. At the same time we weight the public utterances by “Grandean Association in the Americas”, “The Koukou Family among others.” This is one of the reasons why we are calling on peace loving Liberians not to jump the boat or make inflammatory or hypothetical statements that could prejudice the case. It must be noted that under our penal code, “One is presumed innocent until proven guilty.” Let us allow the rule of law to prevail ensuring that the detainees are arraigned in order to have there days in a competent court of jurisdiction. We have been following Government pronouncement in ensuring that the detainees access their lawyers as enshrines under our law. Moreover, as prescribed, we expect the government to allow visitation of the “Red Cross” and other applicable agencies when the need arises.
Looking for a possible answer to the Concerns:
As illustrated in the introductory statement, the following questions must be answered in order to objectively and critically decipher the issue of subversive activities spear headed by elements from the “Krahn and Gio tribes.” “Why would they want to commit suicide, especially, when they wouldn’t succeed? Why wouldn’t they realize that the International Community is protecting the government? What are the possibilities that in fact the two rival elements could unite to overthrow the government?
* As mentioned supra, it would be suicidal to attempt to militarily engage the present government with it overwhelming firepower and support. Why would they want to take such a naked risk? Even, if they had the equipment and men power, it would be illusive amidst the presence of the “International Community.” This is one of the cardinal reasons why people are pondering about the plausibility of this whole fiasco. Let some one help me with an answer.
* Granted as a result of their insatiable desire to seek power illegally, the various actors on Liberia would have ensured that such a machination was aborted based on their commitment to make Liberia a success story. So, let no one make mistake that you can just rain havoc on the Country with impunity. Let our President sleep!!!
* The most cardinal point of concern is the issue of “alliance” between two rival parties in ousting the legitimate government of Ellen Sirleaf. What is the possibility? It must be noted that Charles Julu is a die-hard and respected senior leader of the “Krahn Community”. Apart, he is a symbolic representation of the late “Samuel Doe.” Plus, he is controversial and dislike by the Nimbians for the atrocities committed during the infamous “November 12th, attempted Coup” by “Quionwonpia and others.” It is said that following the failure of the coup as commander of the “Plant Protection Force”, in Yekepa, Nimba County, he went on the rampage killing several hundreds would be coup plotters, who were mainly of the “Gio and Mano tribes.” So it is an irony that amidst all of the bitterness and the burning feuds that we could see such a political alliance.
* For his part, it is a known fact, that Mr. George Koukou was one of the closest confidants of the imprisoned leader of the “National Patriotic Front” (NPFL). Apart, he is one those Special Forces commando that under went training at the “Thajura Camp” in Libya. More besides, he has been a menace in the flesh of the “Krahn through the prosecution of the 1990 War. Most recently, he was instrumental in the heinous machination leading to the removal of “George Dweh” as Speaker of the “House of Representative” under the “Transitional Government.
Retrospection of Concocted Plots of the past:
Samuel DoeWith the analysis mentioned supra, one is left with the impression that this whole issue requires a candid and sober reflection before making a judgment. What may have prompted them to reconcile and unite in order to carry on this mission. These are the intricacies that need answers. Can some one reading this piece help me to make the debate more hectic?
Mindful of our desire to build a prosperous and stable nation, but we must learn to retrospect the past of how some leaders concocted false plots that led to the imprisonment and killing of many prominent leaders. We are sorry note that this is in no way intended to torment those who were affected either directly or indirectly as a result of those actions. We as intellectuals have the moral responsibility to guide that society in order to have effective governance. It is said in history, “ that in order to know the present, you must know the past.” Guided by this spirit, may I remind you about the following plots that led people not to take those governments serious regarding subversive activities. “What happen to Coleman during the Tubman regime? What happen to members of the “Progressive Alliance of Liberia: (PAL), when they were arrested accused of trying to overthrow the government following the rice riot in 1979? What happen to Thomas Wensien, accused by the late “Samuel Doe”, of trying to kill him? What happen to Albert Toe? What happen to Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and others when arrested by “Samuel Doe” accused of trying to over throw the government? What happen J. Neclaus Podier when he was killed enroute to Liberia accused of trying to kill the late Doe? What happen to Col. M. M. Flazanmenton when he was told to give a detail account of the plot on the television, but failed to convince the public, which led to an embarrassment to the Doe Government and his subsequent death through torture? What happen to all of those gallant men and women killed by “Charles Taylor” accused of subversive activities?
Finally, may I note this is a mere intellectual exercise and in no way geared toward undermining any body or government. I am concerned about recent calls by some elements in the community, threatening me with possible sad effect as a result of my writing. To them, may I note that we will remain fearless as long we are saying the truth, even with gun at our throat. Apart, we believe in the concept of predestination. So, what Allah ordains will surely happen. I await my fate as long it is in the interest of the Nation.
We want to hear your critical thoughts- at 215-666-2506 or varfley1@yahoo.com
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