The New Dawn Liberia | Truly Independent

The panic created by the much publicized “CDC November 7, Memorial Day” has made a contrary mark here, with the Liberia National Police congratulating the party for its orderly conduct during the observance of the day in the capital.

The main opposition party initiated the observance of the day in remembrance of the death of a partisan on the eve of the presidential run-off between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and its ex-standard bearer Cllr. Winston Tubman on November 7, 2011, which it boycotted at the eleventh hour. 

Police Director Chris C. Massaquoi said “… Let me extend thanks and appreciation to the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) for the orderly manner in which it conducted itself during its memorial program on yesterday which contributed to the peace and tranquility of this… environment.”

Given the bitter history of brutality often occurring between the CDC and the LNP, there has been bitter exchanges from both sides in recent times arising from the CDC’s refusal to adhere to the Justice Ministry’s demand that the party should obtain a permit before marching through the streets of Monrovia.

But on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, the ministry granted the CDC green-light to observe the day, with warning that the party would be held responsible for any disorderliness that would arise from marching through the streets.

But following a peaceful event Tuesday which some observed recorded a more orderly political assembly of the CDC, Director Massaquoi said: “They’ve adhered to the request of the Ministry of Justice, and we respect that.” The police chief said the LNP encourages cooperation with “not just the CDC, but every political party in Liberia.”

He cited instance that for the past couple of weeks, he was called at about 2 to 3 in the morning from CDC political leader George Weah’s residence, informing him that his (Weah’s) residence had been vandalized by sand miners.

“And you can confirm this… We effectively responded and that’s the kind of cooperation that we will continue to carry out,” said Massaquoi.

Notwithstanding, Director Massaquoi encouraged the men and women of the LNP to continue to be professional in their work for every political party, including the CDC.