Jefferson Tamba Koijee, Secretary General of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has launched a scathing condemnation of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration, accusing it of tribal bigotry, political vengeance, and the abuse of state power. The statement comes in the wake of high-profile arrests, including those of former public servants Madam Thema E. Sawyer and Madam Mary Tanyonoh Broh, which have drawn sharp criticisms and ignited political tensions across Liberia.
In a fiery address on Friday, Koijee described June 27, 2025, as “one of the most disgraceful and painful days in our country’s recent history,” claiming that the Boakai-led administration had traded patriotism for persecution. “We are witnessing the return of tyranny disguised as leadership,” he declared. “If we do not rise up now and resist these economic bandits and tribal witch-hunters, the country we love—the Liberia our ancestors bled and died for—will soon cease to exist.”
Controversial Office Lease Deal
Central to Koijee’s criticism is the recent revelation of a controversial lease agreement signed by Cllr. Edwin Kla-Martin, head of the Assets Recovery Team. The lease reportedly involves an upfront payment of US$311,200 for office space, in addition to a monthly expenditure of US$9,800 for billboards.
Koijee described the deal as a “scandalous and illegal act,” asserting that it was executed in secret without consultation with the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), or the broader public. He labeled the action “economic sabotage cloaked in the arrogance of power” and questioned the credibility of placing Kla-Martin—whom he accused of corruption—at the helm of national asset recovery.
Arrest of Madam Thema E. Sawyer
The CDC Secretary General further criticized the arrest and public humiliation of Madam Thema E. Sawyer, widow of former Interim President Dr. Amos Claudius Sawyer. Madam Sawyer, who once served as Deputy Foreign Minister and First Lady, was reportedly taken from her residence and jailed at the Monrovia Central Prison.
Koijee called the arrest a “moral red line” crossed by the Boakai administration, stating that it amounted to a national disgrace. “A woman who walks with dignity, served with class, and held the legacy of her late husband with grace was dragged from her home like a petty criminal,” he lamented. “Is this how we treat our national mothers?”
Arrest of Mary Broh Sparks Outrage
Adding fuel to the controversy is the arrest of 74-year-old Mary Tanyonoh Broh, a former government official renowned for her contributions to public health and urban sanitation. Broh, who played a significant role during the Ebola and COVID-19 crises, was reportedly detained and imprisoned without due respect for her service and stature.
According to Koijee, the police—under the direction of Inspector General Gregory Coleman—stormed Broh’s residence, forcibly removed her, and imprisoned her at South Beach alongside common criminals. He described the act as “tribal arrogance” and an insult to a woman widely regarded as a “pillar of integrity.”
Koijee also noted that Broh is the mother of Donna Charles, a U.S. Air Force veteran and current gubernatorial candidate in Virginia, U.S.A., suggesting that the arrest has not only domestic but international implications. “Donna Charles watched in pain and heartbreak as her mother—Liberia’s own daughter—was dragged to filth by a regime consumed by hate and vengeance,” he said.
Accusations of Tribal and Historical Vendetta
The CDC stalwart suggested that the recent arrests reflect a broader pattern of targeted actions against Americo-Liberians and others associated with past administrations. Drawing historical parallels, Koijee accused President Boakai of reviving the same oppressive tactics employed by the regime that publicly executed 13 government officials in 1980—an event widely regarded as a catalyst for Liberia’s civil wars. “Mr. Boakai once worked for a regime that sparked a civil war,” Koijee said. “That same dangerous mindset is re-emerging under his watch.”
Call to Action
Koijee concluded with an urgent appeal for national resistance to what he views as growing authoritarianism. He warned that failure to act now could have dire consequences for Liberia’s democratic future. “Yesterday’s silence helped fuel our nation’s darkest war,” he warned. “Those celebrating today’s abuse of power must remember tyranny always ends in tragedy.”
As tensions mount between the Boakai administration and the opposition CDC, the events of this week have ushered in a new chapter of political volatility, raising concerns about the rule of law, civil liberties, and Liberia’s fragile peace.
The Executive Mansion has not yet issued a response to the allegations or the arrests. However, sources within the administration argue that the moves are part of a broader anti-corruption campaign intended to reclaim public assets and ensure accountability.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Monrovia as Liberians await official statements, legal developments, and potentially more revelations in what is fast becoming a high-stakes battle between power and principle.
