MONROVIA –The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Social Security, Pension & Insurance, Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, has dismissed as false and misleading reports of sabotaging the political gathering of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in Grand Gedeh county.
By Obediah Johnson
Several executives and partisans of the CDC have gathered in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County in observance of the 22nd Anniversary and Militants’ Day Celebration.
However, some executives and local officials of the CDC accused Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Representative Thomas Fallah and Senator Pennue of being the masterminds behind the denial of the party from using key public structures in the county and undermining preparation efforts to prevent hundreds of supporters and partisans of the CDC from attending the event.
But in a statement issued in Monrovia on Wednesday, July 24, Senator Pennue stated that at no time he or any member of his staff or person acting under his authority interfere with, obstruct or undermine the CDC’s event.
“The Office of Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue Sr. categorically and unequivocally disclaims the low-minded, spiteful and politically motivated allegations that the Senator disrupts or sabotages the Congress for Democratic Change. These claims are false in their entirety. They represent a deliberate attempt to distort facts, inflame partisan tension, and divert public attention from the real work of development that Senator Pennue continues to deliver for the people of Grand Gedeh County.”
He recalled that his record is one of respect for democratic institutions and for the right of every political party to assemble freely under the laws of Liberia.
Senator Pennue, who is representing the people of Grand Gedeh County in the 55th Legislature, stressed that he recognizes that the CDC, like all parties, has a constitutional right to celebrate its milestone without intimidation or interference.
He added that to suggest that a sitting Senator would abandon his legislative duties and the critical electrification, education and other projects he is championing in order to disrupt a party function is not only absurd, but it insults the intelligence of Grand Gedeans.
He maintained that his focus remains on tangible service delivery not political theatre.
“The circulation of these allegations without a shred of evidence is reckless and dangerous. It seeks to weaponize misinformation to damage the reputation of a leader whose entire tenure has been defined by inclusivity, cross-party engagement, and county-first governance. Senator Pennue has consistently worked with stakeholders across the political spectrum, including members of the CDC.”
Senator Pennue stated that he has no intention to undermine an “already failed program, characterize by frail IQ individuals serving as heads and leaders of the CDC in Grand Gedeh County.”
He added that the same energy being used to manufacture falsehoods would be better directed toward lobbying with this current Unity Party led Government for the electrification of all towns alone the Toe Town- Zwedru Highway, improving Zwedru’s roads, among other significant targets.
“Let this be clear: CDC should own its failure and poor organization of their program and stop the blame-games. Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, Sr. had no role, direct or indirect, in any disruption of the CDC’s 22nd Anniversary and Militant’s Day Celebration.”
He challenged those making the claims to produce credible evidence before the public and the law.
Senator Pennue, however, vowed not to be distracted by political smear campaigns.
He emphasized that his mandate comes from people of Grand Gedeh County, and as such, his duty is to deliver results.
He used this medium to call on all Liberians, especially citizens of Grand Gedeh to reject rumor-mongering, uphold the peace and join hands with government in moving Grand Gedeh county and Liberia at large forward.
