Rep. Kolubah vows to kill in self-defense if attacked again – Latest Liberian News

MONTSERRADO – Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah says he has been pushed by the ruling party to a point he has no alternative, but to defend himself and his people, even if it means killing his attackers.

“I have reached the point where the police cannot protect me anymore. I will defend myself. If it means that I will kill someone for defending myself I will do that,” he warned.

Rep. Kolubah made the strong-worded statement following a wave of violence that have erupted in his district in recent days, leading to the injuries of some peaceful residents, mainly marketers, as well as looting and destruction of properties.

That latest clashes which took place on Saturday happened when the Youth League of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), led by its chairman, Emmanuel Johnson, defied the Police and marched through the Old Road Community, duped the stronghold of Rep. Kolubah. The group claimed they had gone to create awareness about the ongoing voter registration exercise, rallying eligible voters, especially partisans to turnout and register.

“We want to call on the people of Liberia living in Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, and Gbarpolu to come out en masse and register. As the CDC prepared for a first-round victory, you must register and we are here along with hundreds of young people who have joined us today in electoral District 10 to get our voter card. These courageous young men and women are poised to make history in October and the only way you can be a part is when you register like us,” Chairman Johnson blared through heavy speakers in defiance of the police order.

As tension mounted, the police fired tear gas to disperse the CDC Youths, but the scene turned chaotic following the police action.

As supporters began to run helter-skelter, some began terrorizing peaceful citizens and marketers; injuring and looting properties. Stores were forced to close and panicked residents of the area ran indoors for their safety.

The blame games

Both sides- the ruling CDC and Rep. Kolubah blamed each other for the violence.

In a statement, the CDC said it “condemns all persons, including some of its partisans, who may have been engaged in the acrimonious act which resulted in an assault on peaceful citizens, destruction to properties, and infringement of the rights of many.”

It accused Rep. Kolubah for the violence that occurred in the District and termed it as “act of gangsterism.” The party in the statement also accused him of establishing a vigilante group that harasses citizens queuing up to exercise their democratic rights through the voter registration process.

The CDC called for the de-escalation of tension in the District and cautioned all actors of the violent act or those who were intending on regrouping to reignite the situation to desist and utilize the administrative or legal framework to seek redress.

At the same time, the CDC called on the Ministry of Justice to investigate the matter and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.

Rep. Kolubah Fires back

In a counter argument, Rep. Kolubah accused the ruling CDC and the police of a calculated ploy to instill fear him and residents of his constituency as part of their strategy to defeat him.

“If I will kill somebody to defend myself, I will do that. Let them leave the citizens, I’m here let them come to me. Anybody entering my place will go to St. Moses,” he said.

He termed the LNP as partisan police that only act on the orders of the CDC, saying he has lost all confidence in them.

“The CDC Police cannot provide my security anymore. The police arrested the ring leaders and released him. If I have being attacked I will defend myself.”