– Amid Allegations of Political Double Standards
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia — The ruling Unity Party of Liberia has suspended 28 of its National Executive Committee (NEC) members for what it describes as “persistent failure” to participate in party activities, citing absenteeism and neglect of duties as grounds for disciplinary action.
The decision, reached during a Special Sitting of the NEC on September 13, underscores the party’s renewed emphasis on internal accountability and discipline. According to the resolution, the suspended members—many of whom currently hold government positions—will face a one-month suspension and a mandatory fine of USD $1,000 payable to the party’s account.
Party officials argue the move is consistent with Articles 19 and 16 subsection 4 of the Unity Party Constitution, which mandates active engagement from executive members. “These acts of noncompliance and absenteeism represent a breach of the trust reposed in them and a violation of their obligations to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the party,” the resolution stated.
However, the disciplinary action has sparked criticism from political observers, who accuse the Unity Party of applying a double standard. Under Liberia’s Code of Conduct for Public Officials, government employees are prohibited from engaging in active political activities while in office. Critics argue that the suspended individuals were, in fact, complying with national law by distancing themselves from partisan engagements.
“This is a classic case of political contradiction,” said one analyst. “You cannot penalize officials for failing to participate in party activities when the law explicitly forbids such participation. It raises serious questions about the party’s interpretation of loyalty and legality.”
The suspended members represent some of the most influential figures in both the party and government. The list includes Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr. of Nimba County and multiple representatives: Hon. J. Obadiah Varney (District #1, Bomi County), Hon. Mannah B. Johnson (District #2, Bomi County), and Hon. Gizzie K. Kollie (District #4, Lofa County).
Crucially, the suspension sweep also reached into President Boakai’s cabinet, with Agriculture Minister Alexander Nuetah and Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah both suspended from their NEC positions.
The complete list of suspended members includes Hon. Nec-alah Varpilah, Hon. Martha Morris, Hon. Francis S. Nyumalin, Hon. Gbeme Horace-Kollie, Hon. Magdalene E. Dagosch, Hon. Lorpu Kandakai, Hon. Richard Ngafuan, Cllr. Bushuben M. Keita, Cllr. Augustine Fayiah, Dr. Louise Kyoto, Atty. Kula B. Fofana, Hon. S. Tornorlah Varpilah, Hon. Josephine George Francis, Hon. Harrison O. Kai (Acting Sinoe County Chairman), Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Hon. Wilmot J.M. Paye, Hon. Glakpai W. Kortimai, Hon. James Fromayan, Hon. Joash T. Hodges, Hon. Julius Dennis, and Julius K. Sele.
The Unity Party has defended its decision, emphasizing that the disciplinary measures are intended to strengthen institutional cohesion and uphold the values of unity and collective responsibility. “We remain committed to building a stronger institution that serves the interest of the Liberian people,” said Lansana Pawenneh Fofana, National Assistant Secretary General for Press, Publicity & Outreach.
Beyond the suspensions, the party issued a one-month ultimatum to all delinquent due-paying members to settle their outstanding financial obligations, noting that the party’s sustenance “depends largely on party dues and contributions from partisans.”
The mass suspension of nearly thirty senior officials – including sitting legislators and cabinet ministers – raises serious questions about unity within the ruling party and suggests significant tensions between governing responsibilities and partisan duties. The move represents the most severe internal disciplinary action taken by the Unity Party since assuming power in 2024.
The press release was signed by Lansana Pawenneh Fofana, National Assistant Secretary General for Press, Publicity & Outreach, who reiterated the party’s commitment to “upholding discipline, unity, and collective responsibility in building a stronger institution that serves the interest of the Liberian people.”
