House Speaker, Others Summoned

By Yassah J. Wright

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard N. Koon, and few other Representatives, have been summoned to appear before the Plenary to address security concerns River Gee County District #3 Representative Johnson S.N. Williams raised. Others to appear are the Minister of Justice and the Inspector General of Police. The House’s decision follows a formal communication from Rep. Williams, in which he reported repeated threats to his life and that of his family. Williams expressed frustration over the alleged lack of response from the Liberia National Police (LNP) following report of the alleged threats. In his communication, Rep. Williams stated that this marks the fifth time he has formally reported security threats since he was elected, including previous complaints dating back to 2024.  He said, despite multiple requests, including appeals for the assignment of armed police protection, no action has been taken by concerned authorities. In his detail recent incidents, Williams alleged that a suspicious vehicle had been trailing him and his wife.  He recounted that his wife was followed while driving, and on a separate occasion, returned to her parked vehicle to find its windshield wipers damaged.  Williams further noted that he was tailed from 9th Street, Sinkor to the campus of the University of Liberia on Capitol Hill, and later to the compound of the Holy Innocents Catholic Church. He did say whether the suspected attacker harms him. He also reported that on the same day, two unidentified individuals dressed in black suits followed him to his residence before departing in a vehicle identified as a Toyota Corolla bearing license plate number PC 546. He referenced an earlier request dated February 15, 2024, seeking the assignment of an armed officer from the Police Support Unit (PSU), specifically Officer Roland M. Taylay II, to provide VIP protection; an appeal he says, remains unanswered. Rep. Williams further cited a prior incident on December 4, 2022, in which he sustained injuries during an attack on his property linked to a dispute over an electrical pole.  While suspects were reportedly arrested and taken to Zone 8 Police Depot, he indicated that the case remains unresolved. “With these security concerns, and considering that I could be attacked anytime, anywhere, I am seriously concerned about the safety of my family. Hence, I need state security protection.”  The House leadership said, the appearance of the Justice Minister and the Police Inspector General are intended to provide clarity on the matter and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the life of the lawmaker and uphold public confidence in the security institutions.

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