By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – The All Liberian Coalition Party (ALOP), a constituent member of the Unity Party Alliance has strongly slammed apologies from Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Senatorial Candidate Samuel Kogar over comments made against Mandingo people – a minority group of Liberians by Justin Oldpa Yeazehn alias Prophet Key.
During a political campaign rally in Nimba, Prophet Key evoked tribal sentiment – describing the Mandingoes as “disgraceful and have no place in a civilized society.”
The comment from Key sparked controversy with many describing it as totally out of order.
Hours after the comments contained in a widely circulated video was made, Senatorial Candidate in whose name Key was campaigning Samuel Kogar condemned the statement and distanced his campaign from such.
Similarly, Vice President Koung also condemned the statement and said in a social media post that his advocacy for a balanced distribution of power in Nimba is strongly rooted in traditional values and mutual respect among the people of the county.
Apologies Belated
But ALCOP in a statement issued on Friday said the it welcomes the condemnations from VP Koug and Candidate Kogar but considers same as belated as it should have been condemned at the very venue where said divisive statement was made.
“While ALCOP welcomes the condemnations from VP Jeremiah K. Koung and candidate Representative Samuel G. Kogar, ALCOP considers same as belated as it should have been condemned at the very venue where said divisive statement was made.” ALCOP said.
According to ALCOP, as an integral member of the Unity Party Allianceit calls on the leadership of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction Party to condemn the statement and unconditionally take Prophet Key off the campaign team of Mr. Kogar.
“The party is at the same time calling on politicians and their supporters in the ongoing campaign to desist from all acts and or statements that tend to undermine the peace and unit of not only Nimba, but Liberia as a whole.” The ALCOP statement continued.
Nimba Land Dispute
Meanwhile, the All Liberian Coalition Party is reminding the Unity Party government particularly Vice President Koung of their commitment to settle the land dispute in Nimba County as contained in the ‘agreement’.
ALCOP then called on members of the Mandingo Community to remain patient and peaceful as the party continues its engagement with the government in finding lasting settlement to the land dispute in Nimba County.
