Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Firefighters on Thursday averted what may have been the third fireplace outbreak on the Capitol Building after detecting smoke emanating from the rotunda of the historic construction.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) attributed the most recent incident to {an electrical} fault brought on by a water-soaked breaker, which started sparking. Officials confirmed that the scenario was swiftly introduced underneath management earlier than escalating right into a full-blown fireplace.
This marks the third fire-related scare on the Capitol Building in latest months, elevating vital issues about security and upkeep. The most important of those incidents occurred on December 18, 2022, when a significant fireplace engulfed the joint chamber, inflicting in depth harm to one among Liberia’s most essential legislative amenities.
The December fireplace led to a number of arrests, and police have forwarded a number of people to court docket in reference to the incident. The investigation additionally recognized lawmakers as “persons of interest” within the arson assault.
In a latest communication to the House of Representatives, the LNP summoned a number of lawmakers for questioning concerning the continuing investigation. Among these invited are House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Rep. Marvin Cole (District #3, Bong), Rep. Jacob Debee (District #3, Grand Gedeh), Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado), Rep. Frank Saah Foko (District #9, Montserrado), Rep. Abu Bana Kamara (District #15, Montserrado), and Rep. Dixon Seboe (District #16, Montserrado).
‘I am innocent’
Speaker Fonati Koffa, has expressed his willingness to cooperate with authorities investigating the latest fireplace incident on the Capitol Building. In an announcement issued on Thursday, the Speaker confirmed receiving a communication from the bulk bloc of the House, indicating that the Liberia National Police (LNP) has invited him and several other different lawmakers to help within the ongoing investigation.
“I understand that by a communication to the House of Representatives majority block, the Liberia National Police has invited me and others to assist in the investigation of the fire incident,” Speaker Koffa acknowledged. He reassured the general public of his continued dedication to transparency and cooperation, emphasizing his innocence concerning the incident.
“Since the unfortunate occurrence of this event, I have consistently cooperated and ensured the cooperation of all persons under my employ. I must reiterate that I am and remain absolutely innocent of any involvement in this event,” the Speaker mentioned.
The repeated fireplace incidents on the Capitol Building have raised issues about security measures and safety inside one among Liberia’s most essential establishments. While {the electrical} fault within the newest incident was contained, the recurrence of such threats has drawn consideration to the necessity for a complete overview of the constructing’s electrical and security methods.
Arson and Allegations
Following the December fireplace, the Liberia National Police (LNP) launched an investigation and categorized the incident as an arson assault. At a joint press convention on January 8, the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) introduced that preliminary findings urged arson, with investigators alleging that gasoline could have been used to ignite the fireplace. The investigation has largely targeted on staffers of pro-Speaker lawmakers, whereas there was no indication that the faction of the Majority Bloc lawmakers or their associates are underneath scrutiny.
Critics have condemned the investigation as politically motivated, pointing to the alleged alignment between the Executive Branch and the Majority Bloc lawmakers looking for to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Analysts warn that this perceived bias undermines the credibility of the investigation, turning it into a possible political weapon quite than a real fact-finding mission.
Dr. Clarence Pearson, a Liberian scholar and political commentator, shared detailed observations in an article, highlighting a number of flaws within the investigative efforts together with restricted experience and capability. He acknowledged the LNFS has been criticized for its lack of a confirmed observe file in dealing with complicated fireplace investigations. High-profile fireplace incidents, together with these on the properties of Speaker Koffa, Unity Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh, and Senator Saah Joseph, stay unresolved, fueling public skepticism in regards to the company’s competence.
Unsecured Crime Scene
Observers have raised issues over the shortage of correct crime scene preservation on the Capitol Building. Poorly managed proof may compromise the investigation and additional erode public belief.
Allegations of Torture
Staffers arrested in reference to the fireplace have accused the police and the National Security Agency (NSA) of coercing them into implicating Speaker Koffa. Lawyers representing the detainees have denounced these actions, citing violations of due course of and human rights.
Unaddressed Security Lapses
The presence of heavy police and Legislative Security Services (LSS) personnel on the Capitol Building throughout the legislative disaster raises questions on their position in stopping the fireplace or whether or not their negligence contributed to the incident.
Dr. Pearson concluded that these points not solely weaken the integrity of the investigation but in addition deepen public distrust within the nation’s establishments. He known as for an impartial probe with worldwide help to make sure transparency and accountability.
Where are the consultants?
The announcement by Inspector General Gregory Coleman that the federal government would search worldwide experience to assist the investigation has but to materialize. When questioned by reporters, Liberia National Fire Service Director Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul declined to supply specifics, stating, “Please wait for the final report.”
Dr. Pearson mentioned this lack of transparency has heightened public issues, with rising requires the involvement of impartial consultants to revive credibility and guarantee impartiality within the investigation.
The newest fireplace incident, which occurred within the Capitol Building’s rotunda, has drawn public consideration and raised questions in regards to the security and safety measures throughout the nation’s legislative headquarters. The LNP is at the moment main the investigation, however there have been rising requires the involvement of worldwide consultants to make sure an neutral and credible probe.
Speaker Koffa echoed these calls, urging the authorities to hunt help from worldwide companions to bolster the investigation’s credibility. “I again encourage the authorities to seek international partners’ assistance to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” he remarked.
As the investigation continues, the general public stays skeptical of its outcomes, with many calling for reforms to forestall comparable incidents and strengthen Liberia’s potential to deal with complicated nationwide crises.