By Domingo Dargbeh
The East Coast leadership of the Unity Party (UP) in the United States and Canada (UP-USA/CA), has publicly distanced itself from a recent statement issued under the name of an “interim” leadership opposing Liberia’s proposed ports decentralization legislation.
In a statement dated Sunday, January 25, 2026, the East Coast Region, clarified that no interim leadership currently exists within the U.P. diaspora under the authority of Beatrice Johnson.
The U.P. Diaspora denied the region endorsing Madam Johnson’s statement regarding the NPA and the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act.
“There is no such interim leadership in the diaspora under Beatrice Johnson’s leadership,” the statement said.
It added that the East Coast Region does not endorse Johnson’s pronouncement on the autonomous decision of the NPA.
The Chairman for Mobilization and Recruitment, Thomas Ansumana signed the rebuttal statement, and approved by Chairman of the East Coast Region James M. Rogers.
A Party at Odds
The pushback followed a January 3, 2026, press release issued under the banner of The National Association of Members of the UP-USA/CA, in which Johnson and fellow signatory John B. Fello, described themselves as chair and co-chairs urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to veto the Liberia Sea and Inland Ports Decentralization and Modernization Act.
That earlier statement framed the bill as “unconstitutional, a threat to national sovereignty, and a vehicle for fragmenting control over strategic national assets.”
It also praised Pres. Boakai’s initial veto, and accused the legislature of resubmitting a “substantially unchanged bill.”
However, the East Coast Region’s response highlights a leadership dispute within the diaspora structure itself, raising questions about Madam Johnson’s legitimacy as interim chair for U.P. members abroad.
Caution Against Political Interference
Beyond rejecting Madam Johnson’s claim to interim leadership, the East Coast statement issued a cautionary note to party members in the diaspora, urging restraint until internal unity is achieved.
“We caution all members against interfering with governmental decision-making until unity is achieved within the diaspora,” the statement noted.
Ports Bill at the Center
This comes amid an intense national debate over the ports’ decentralization bill, which has lingered between the Legislature and the Executive.
Proponents argue the law would modernize port operations and improve efficiency, while critics, including Madam Johnson’s faction say it weakens executive authority, threatens constitutional order, and exposes Liberia’s ports to undue private influence.
The bill, which was early veto has resurfaced on the desk of Pres. Boakai awaiting approval or rejection.