Former Monrovia City Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee has officially handed over a disputed property on 19th Street, Coleman Avenue, in Sinkor, to Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung. This decision was made following an intervention by his spiritual adviser, Pastor Philemon A. Tarpeh. Koijee emphasized that handing over the premises does not amount to surrender or an admission of guilt.
Koijee accused the Boakai-Koung administration of political persecution, renewing allegations that have been levied against him since his tenure as mayor under ex-President George Manneh Weah. At the center of his argument is the ownership dispute surrounding the Sinkor property. He recalled that on September 18, 2018, then Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation, Mo Ali, publicly alleged that he had acquired a house valued at US$250,000 in less than nine months.
The former mayor questioned how the property could have been attributed to him in 2018 but is now being claimed by Vice President Koung. He challenged the government to explain the circumstances surrounding the competing claims. Koijee also revisited the international sanctions announced against him on December 8, 2023, saying his political opponents celebrated the development as the end of his political career.
Koijee claimed that the sanctions resulted in repeated visa denials and other restrictions but credited Pastor Tarpeh’s prayers and spiritual support for helping him overcome the difficulties. He rejected allegations linking him to criminal activities, including murder, accusing the current administration of using state institutions and public platforms to tarnish his reputation.
The former mayor argued that despite nearly three years of accusations, authorities had failed to prove the allegations against him in court. He challenged the government to produce evidence supporting the allegations, including financial records and properties allegedly linked to him. Koijee also defended his public service record, citing his tenure as Monrovia City Mayor.
Koijee maintained that throughout his six years as mayor, he prioritized public service over personal comfort, citing his decision to continue using an official vehicle purchased by his predecessor rather than requesting a new one. He directed questions at Chairman George Sylvester Mulbah, demanding clarification over his alleged relationship with the Office of the Vice President.
Despite handing over the disputed premises, Koijee said he would continue advocating for what he described as constitutional governance, independent courts, and equal justice. He reaffirmed his political ambition ahead of the 2029 elections, describing the next presidential contest as the destination of his ongoing political struggle.
Key points
- Koijee hands over disputed property, cites faith and commitment to peace.
- Koijee accuses Boakai-Koung administration of political persecution.
- Koijee reaffirms 2029 political ambition.
