spot_imgspot_img
Sunday, December 22, 2024

“MOVE ON THE CAPITOL” ORGANIZER VANDALARK PATRICKS FLEES SCENE AMIDST ALLEGATIONS OF FINANCIAL INFLUENCE

Date:

MONROVIA – The chaotic protest dubbed “Move On The Capitol” took an unexpected turn as its lead organizer, Vandalark R. Patricks, reportedly escaped from Capitol Hill on a motorbike, leaving behind a crowd of protesters. Eyewitnesses captured the moment Patrick mounted a bike alongside his supporters, explaining to journalists that he was “going to regroup.” This abrupt exit sparked frustration among remaining demonstrators, who called on him to return and address their concerns.

The protest, initially framed as a call for justice and accountability, has drawn criticism from various segments of Liberian society, with some accusing it of being “interest-based” and favoring embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Reports have circulated alleging that Koffa may have financially supported the protest, with claims that certain media institutions received substantial payouts to sway public opinion in his favor.

One group notably absent from the demonstration was the University of Liberia Student Union (ULSU). Reading a press statement on Monday, November 4, 2024, ULSU’s Student Representative, Williams B. Sando, formally distanced itself from the protest, citing what they referred to as a “financially induced” nature of the event. Sando asserted that the protest was undermined by officials who allegedly funneled money to organizers in an attempt to co-opt the demonstration.

“The protests have been dollarized,” Sando stated, alleging that organizers may have received as much as $50,000 to push forward an agenda disguised as a grassroots movement for peace and justice. He condemned what he termed an “unorthodox” approach, expressing disappointment that the event had strayed from its purported aims.

Tensions flared further when reports emerged of some protesters engaging in scuffles over money near the Police Headquarters, suggesting internal divisions and adding to doubts surrounding Patricks’ credibility. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the protest’s motives, casting a shadow over Patrick’s leadership and raising questions about the integrity of his advocacy efforts.

As the dust settles, many Liberians are left pondering the true purpose behind the “Move On The Capitol” protest. Patricks’ hasty departure and the alleged financial backing from powerful interests threaten to undermine the movement’s credibility, potentially alienating the very supporters it aimed to mobilize.

smartnews
Smart News Liberia is an online news outlet and a product of Smart Media Group Inc. Our website, smartnewsliberia.com, covers a broad spectrum of news content. For inquiries or information, you can reach us at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or email us at smartnewsliberia@gmail.com or info@smartnewsliberia.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

HOUSE MAJORITY BLOC APPROVES $880 MILLION 2025 BUDGET, AWAITS SENATE DECISION

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Today, the Majority Bloc of the...

UN EXPERT CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN LIBERIA

MONROVIA – A UN expert has urged Liberia to...

SENATE PROPOSES $1.8M FOR FIRE-DAMAGED CAPITOL BUILDING RENOVATION

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Senate, through its Committee on...

U.S. AND ECOWAS CONDEMN CAPITOL HILL VIOLENCE, CALL FOR RESTRAINT AND DIALOGUE

MONROVIA – The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia and the...

DOES LIBERIA NEED CONSTITUTIONAL CLARITY?

The ongoing power struggle within the House of Representatives...

BOAKAI SIDESTEPS SPEAKER KOFFA: LOGICALITY OR PRECEDENT-SETTING BREACH?

President Joseph Boakai's decision to submit the 2025 draft...

A MILESTONE FOR LIBERIA’S HIGHER EDUCATION, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN

The launch of Liberia’s first doctoral programs at the...

COMMENTARY

THE LASTING LEGACY OF PRINCE JOHNSON’S DEATH AND THE PATH FORWARD FOR LIBERIA

By Lyndon J. Ponnie, Sr. The passing of former Liberian...

PRES. BOAKAI’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS

-A Commentary Joseph Boakai's failure to lead has once again...

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

SECURITY RISKS: IS PRESIDENT BOAKAI UNKNOWINGLY SETTING THE STAGE FOR EARLY COUP D’ÉTAT?

In his commentary, Liberian political analyst Vandalerk R. Patricks...

LATEST NEWS

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

HOR IN UPROAR AS EMBATTLED SPEAKER KOFFA’S INFLUENCE EXPOSES GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES

By Socrates Smythe Saywon, Sr. Liberia’s political scene is currently...

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

HAS PRESIDENT BOAKAI’S GOVERNMENT BEGUN BEARING GOOD FRUITS? (PART1)

By Jacob N.B. Parley Following a careful reflection, I have...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link