By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA – Former Montserrado County District #8 Representative Acarous Moses Gray has issued a sharp public rebuke to Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman, accusing the police leadership of bias and threatening to “evoke the doctrine of self-defense.”
In a strongly worded statement addressed directly to IG Coleman, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) stalwart alleged that the police force has consistently targeted his party’s partisans with “excessive force” and emotional hostility.
The confrontation follows an incident late Tuesday evening in which Representative Frank Saah Foko was allegedly targeted by Liberia National Police (LNP) officers while attempting to resolve a land dispute involving his constituents in Wroto Town. Video footage shows the District #9 lawmaker speaking to the crowd before police deployed tear gas to disperse the gathering. This action prompted Gray’s public demand for the immediate protection of his colleague.
Gray’s grievance centers on the safety of Rep. Foko, who he claims has received credible threats against his life.
“Rep. Foko has accused you of threatening his life, and we demand his safety and immediate protection,” Gray wrote. “You did the same when you sent police officers to quarantine his home; that was a total abuse of power.”
The former lawmaker’s most provocative claim involves a move toward private security measures if the state fails to act. Gray asserted that the right to life is “inalienable” and suggested the CDC is prepared to bypass official channels to ensure the safety of its members.
“If you cannot provide protection for him, we will evoke the doctrine of self-defense,” Gray warned. “Make no mistake: we have the right to provide protection for our own where you fail to, and we can do this effectively with or without you.”
Gray concluded the statement by declaring that they “stand ready to defend our people who are defenseless.”
This public confrontation marks another chapter in the simmering tension between the current police administration and the former ruling party. Gray’s comments regarding “excessive force” echo long-standing complaints from the CDC, which claims its members are being unfairly targeted during political gatherings and protests.
As of the time of this report, Inspector General Coleman and the LNP have not issued a formal response to the allegations regarding Representative Foko or the threat of “self-defense” measures.
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