MONROVIA – Matthew Nyanplu, a Liberian journalist and political commentator, has strongly criticized President George Weah’s interference with state security functions.
Nyanplu cited the recent dropping of charges against Mr. Henry Costa by the Weah administration, likening it to the way President Weah trumped up charges against Costa, seized his radio equipment, and forced him out of the country, only to drop the charges later under the guise of reconciliation.
Describing the actions as “arbitrary and capricious,” Nyanplu emphasized the dangers of using law enforcement functions to target peaceful Liberians who do not support the government.
“We knew that the charges against Henry Costa were bogus from the start,” Nyanplu noted. “The government’s decision to drop the charges without justification only confirms our suspicions.”
According to Nyanplu, President Weah wants Costa within his ambit, suggesting that those who do not support the President, like Patrick Honnah, whose Punch FM operational license was revoked, will not receive such leniency.
Nyanplu, currently in the United States for further studies, warned of the dangers of using law enforcement as a tool of oppression. He called on Liberians to take note, stating that Liberia could be heading towards a dangerous chapter if President Weah is not stopped in 2023.
“No matter who supports him, George Weah must be removed from power,” Nyanplu emphasized.
Days ago, the Liberian government dropped all charges against Henry Costa, a vocal critic of the Weah-led government, and invited him to return to Liberia from the US.
In October 2019, authorities had closed Costa’s Roots FM radio station, accusing him of inciting violence and extorting money from Liberians. Costa was under investigation by Liberia’s state security, who alleged that his travel documents were fake. Costa then left Liberia in early 2020, briefly detained in Sierra Leone before returning to the United States.
The Ministry of Justice announced on Thursday, March 24, 2022, that the charges against Costa had been dropped with immediate effect, and his seized radio broadcasting equipment would be returned. The ministry invited Mr. Costa to return to Liberia to “live freely like any other citizen,” while warning him against spreading disinformation and calling on him to respect the law.
Mr. Costa welcomed the news on Facebook, calling it “a major victory for us and for democracy,” and pledging to continue advocating for a better Liberia.
