MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Mike B. Jabateh, Assistant Minister for Urban Affairs at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, was arrested today by the Liberia National Police (LNP) following his threatening remarks against Representative Yekeh Kolubah. The arrest has sparked controversy, with Rep. Kolubah publicly condemning the manner in which the police executed the arrest.
It can be recalled, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Jabateh threatened to kill Rep. Kolubah during a phone call. Minister Jabateh warned that he would “bring machinery to kill” the Montserrado County District #10 lawmaker, who is known for his fierce criticism of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
Despite the seriousness of the threat, Rep. Kolubah expressed disappointment over the police’s handling of Jabateh’s arrest. In a public statement, Kolubah wrote:
“Good morning fellow Liberians, I am disappointed over the manner and form in which the police arrested Mark Jabateh, at Prime FM 105.5. I did not officially lodge Minister Mark’s complaint at the LNP headquarters. I see this as selective justice. I was never offended or threatened by Mark Jabateh. Why is the police after him? I was reliably informed by one of the journalists that Minister Mark called the Police Director ‘Pekin’ before his guest, something that offended him. So he, the Inspector General of the LNP, immediately ordered that Mark be thrown at the back of the police pickup. I see this as a coverup, using my case to have Mark arrested for sarcastic statements towards the IG, is a big bluff.”
Rep. Kolubah further criticized the LNP for what he perceives as inconsistent enforcement of the law, citing a recent incident involving the vandalization of his property and the detention of his supporters:
“I complained to the Liberia National Police about a week ago concerning the vandalization of my property or my District 10 BAZE, where my people were arrested and kept in police custody for over three days without forwarding them to court. They did not do anything about that. Now Joseph Boakai’s Police Director is making fun, talking about arresting Minister Mark Jabateh. Let me make it very clear again, it was never because of me Assistant Minister Mark Jabateh was arrested. They are all jokers! WATCH THE PROCESS AND SEE.”
Rep. Kolubah ended his statement with hashtags reflecting his stance against President Boakai’s presidency: #movement_against_boakai_presidency and #THE_PEOPLE’S_POWER.
This incident adds another layer of tension to the already heated political climate in Liberia, as the nation approaches the presidential elections later this year. The handling of Jabateh’s arrest and the subsequent reactions underscore the deep divisions and contentious atmosphere surrounding the current administration and its critics.
