As voters in Liberia prepare for the presidential runoff election on November 7, the country’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Gregory Coleman, has dismissed allegations that he has been asked by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to take a side between the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) of Senator George Weah and Unity Party of Vice-President Joseph Boakai. “I am going to vote and that is my right. Do I have to give political support and start to give concession probably because I want to maintain a job? No! I will gladly walk away than to take a side.” – Col. Gregory Coleman, Inspector General, LNP, said.
In an interview with newsmen in Monrovia, Col. Coleman stated that he had never been asked and if he is asked, he would rather step down than take a side. He currently serves as the head of the Election security body, which comprises the Liberia Immigration Service, UNMIL, Liberia National Police (LNP), Drugs Enforcement Agency, and National Fire service. The Police boss says the allegation has no iota of truth as the President has expressed overwhelming confidence in the Police and continues to do so.
Recalling his last meeting with the President, Coleman said, “The last time we met she told me to continue doing what I was doing because the results from all of the international partners show an excellent performance by the Police.” He continued: “At no time did she ask me to resign for whatever reason.” Our working as Police has been exceptionally professional, she asked me to remain in the confines of the law and do that which I know is my responsibility.”
Commenting on reports that President Sirleaf also asked him to resign relating to a UNDP contract with the Liberia National Police (LNP), he disclosed that UNDP has US$1.14 million dollars from Japan funding and 200,000 by Germany. “I personally asked the UNDP to hold the money and pay the officers directly, All the request for payments have been going to UNDP. I work with the executive committee to know whether they have all of the officers included and personnel section clarified the validity of the officers.
He said the money was given to officers based on the deployment in counties. “I only work with the executive committee to know whether they have all of the officers, and personnel section to clarify the validity of officers’ names on the list.” Coleman continued: “If you go to the UNDP offices and look at the listing you would not see my name and you will not also be told that I am collecting money from them. I’m being paid for this job and I’m working.”
He clarified that cash payment is through the officers’ accounts with any local bank; explaining that the slowness of the payment was due to the bank wanting proper verification. “Nobody’s money is going through anyone’s hands. Let the public be the judges. But you will always have counter accusation and I take it as an accusation, but, that will not distract us,” he said.
The Police Inspector General says his refusal to support a political side will go down in history for the first time that a chief of the LNP will have no side in a major election.
