Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko, has called for urgent legislative intervention.
Foko’s call follows a harrowing incident on March 31, 2026, in which he was allegedly assaulted by officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) while performing his duties as a member of the House of Representatives.
He represents the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in the 55th Legislature.
In a formal letter to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, Foko described the violent encounter as an attempt on his life, and a blatant attack on his constitutional rights.
The incident took place in Wroto Town, Airfield, where Rep. Foko was “peacefully intervening” on behalf of his constituents, whose land was reportedly being forcibly seized.
According to Foko, while attempting to engage in peaceful dialogue, he and his constituents were tear-gassed, humiliated, and assaulted by police officers, who were conducting a heavy-handed enforcement operation.
“This action occurred in the context of an aggressive enforcement operation against civilians, which raises serious questions about the proportionality and legality of the force used,” Rep. Foko stated in his letter.
He expressed his deep concern that, “as an opposition member, this was not merely a physical assault, but an attempt at political intimidation, and attempted assassination due to my high-profile role in advocating for the citizens’ rights.”
Foko also pointed out that this incident is part of a broader pattern of harassment and politically motivated attacks against him.
He referenced previous disturbing incidents, including being falsely accused and linked to the Capitol Building arson case, which led to security forces assaulting him and other lawmakers.
Although, Police have ultimately disproved the accusation, Foko said, the harassment persisted, including an unwarranted siege of his residence by security forces on December 18, 2024, which caused immense distress to his family and community.
“These cumulative actions suggest a targeted pattern of harassment, intimidation, and abuse of state power against any elected official,” he wrote. He also underscored the dangerous implications of the ongoing actions on his safety, and the stability of democratic governance.
In light of these events, Rep. Foko has made a formal request for action from the House of Representatives.
He called for an independent legislative inquiry into the conduct of LNP, and a summons for relevant security officials, particularly the Inspector General of Police to explain their actions.
Foko has also requested adequate security assurances for him and his family, given the ongoing “threats” he claimed, are posed by security forces, and a reaffirmation by the House of Representatives of its commitment to protect its members from unlawful force or intimidation during the performance of their legislative duties.
In his letter, Rep. Foko said, “the matter goes beyond personal grievances, highlighting the broader issue of preserving the integrity of democratic representation.”
He urged the House to act swiftly to ensure that no government agency is above the law, and that elected officials can perform their duties without fear of violence or coercion.
“This matter transcends personal grievance, rather it is about preserving the sanctity of democratic representation and ensuring that no arm of government operates above the law.
Foko then called for justice and accountability.
Rep. Foko has meanwhile, vowed to continue serving his constituents with “integrity and courage,” despite the challenges he faces.
Source: smartnewsliberia.com