Under The Palava Hut

Former Finance Minister, Samuel Tweah writes

Rodney, this is a serious question for a serious government fighting drug and corruption, not a Rescue Government fixing stuff to prevent arrests of persons connected to the Government and manipulating justice to get at political opponents, while working to acquit UP- indicted officials.

There are no arrests in the drug case because the Government is busy forcing Judge Ousman Feika to reverse my verdict, though the judge says he sees no evidence linking me and all defendants or any of our lawyers to jury misconduct.

Prosecution planted phones with the jurors who voted against me. The complaining juror told the investigation that she had phone but that the phone was used to call their homes. All jurors said they did not speak with any lawyers from the defense neither with any of the defendants.

But the judge is being pressured to find the “law” to set the verdict aside since there was phone. They Government’s charge to the judge is “ find any law, we are the Government. The survival of the Government depends on Tweah not winning.” At this point, I am not sure it is pressure or the inability of the judge to stand against what he has privately condemned!

So once the State plants phones among jurors and influences a post verdict complaint , that becomes strategy to set a verdict aside. This is Rescue justice !

Why should Samuel Tweah and other defendants bear responsibility for prosecution planting phones among jurors? Do we manage the jury system of the country? Were we the ones responsible for their surveillance and security ? Why didn’t the prosecution-influenced jurors complain before the verdict or during the trial? Or were they waiting to see the outcome first? We buried this nefarious kind of Liberia with the debris of our war. That tyranny will never reemerge!

Meanwhile the same Prosecution and Government are not investigating jurors who unanimously acquitted Abdullah L. Kamara , former LTA boss . I am told the jurors were not even sequestered but were given money by the Government to free Abdullah . Of course no investigation because he is the President’s man!

That the Government could not influence nine heroic and patriotic jurors against Samuel Tweah is grounds for setting a revolutionary verdict aside. What a shameless Government!

To the judge and Government, you all are wasting time. My freedom does not depend on that kangaroo manipulation you are hatching. I have informed the international community of your shenanigans so get prepared! You can drag your judiciary and country in the mud for Samuel Tweah but you still are not getting me!

Samuel D. Tweah Jr. is a free man and no judge, no justice and no despotic Government can do anything about it.

You wanted to shame and jail me for something I didn’t do. God, through the nine jurors checkmated you. You were defeated! You will have to jail me as a prisoner of conscience fighting for his rights. And you and I know you really don’t want that!

On that ground, I am prepared to do battle.

Judge Feika, your politically manipulated intention is dead on arrival! You still have time to weigh the consequences of your intending and contrived judgement. You should be holding the Prosecution culpable for attempting to influence the nine Jurors, not setting an acquitting verdict aside. How brazen! Our laws are designed to protect the weakest vessels in a trial , not to assist and succor the strongest and powerful State! But I love this David verses Goliath fight. David is always on the right side of history!

And I remain the fearless grebo warrior! More damning information to follow next week!

Samuel D. Tweah, Jr.

UNDER THE PALAVA HUT || BREAKING NEWS

FORMER MINISTER PAYE: “BOAKAI GOV’T IS A BM & CRIMINAL GOVERNMENT”

Disturbing revelations are coming from within. Former Lands, Mines & Energy Minister Wilmot Paye has publicly classified the Unity Party government led by President Joseph N. Boakai as a “BM and criminal government.”

In a video circulating on Facebook, Paye — a former senior official who served in government — did not mince words. He accused the Boakai administration of presiding over a system that protects wrongdoing instead of fighting it.

WHAT PAYE IS SAYING
1. “BM Government”– Paye’s reference to “BM” suggests what many Liberians on the street call “Black Money” government — a system allegedly driven by illicit deals, kickbacks, and backroom transactions.

2. “Criminal Government” – He alleges that criminal conduct is not just occurring under this administration, but is being enabled and shielded at high levels.

3. From the Inside – This is not opposition talk. This is a former cabinet minister who sat in the room, saw the files, and is now sounding the alarm.

WHY THIS MATTERS
1. Credibility Crisis – When former insiders call their own government criminal, it guts public trust. How do you ask citizens to respect the law when ex-ministers say the law is being broken at the top?

2. Pattern – This comes after the $19M drug bust, the EU Ambassador recall attempt, the LDEA shakeup, and now allegations from a former Lands & Mines Minister. Liberians are connecting the dots.

3. Accountability – The Boakai government campaigned on “Rescue.” Rescue from what, if the same “BM” practices continue? As Paye implies, you cannot rescue a nation with the same hands that are looting it.

OUR POSITION
If these allegations are false, the government should *sue for libel and clear its name with facts*. If they are true, then the President must act — not with press releases, but with arrests, prosecutions, and dismissals.

Liberia cannot survive another government where ministers leave office only to label it “criminal.” The people deserve better than recycled corruption with a new logo.

*Mr. President, the ball is in your court. The Palava Hut is watching.*

*Source:* Facebook Video — Statement by Former Minister Wilmot Paye

_No fear, just facts_



Note: “BM” is street parlance in Liberia for “Black Money” or illicit funds. If Paye meant something else, he should clarify. But the label “criminal government” from a former minister is serious and demands a response from the Executive Mansion.

Congress for Democratic Change - USA National Convention 2026 Page
7h
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CDC–USA Certifies Candidates, Opens Campaign for 2026 National Elections
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania – June 21, 2026 – The Congress for Democratic Change–USA (CDC–USA) National Elections Commission (NEC) has officially certified candidates for the organization’s 2026 National Elections and declared the campaign period officially open ahead of the CDC–USA National Convention scheduled to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 29 through August 2, 2026. The elections are slated for Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The Commission said the certification followed the successful review of nomination documents, verification of credentials, and confirmation that candidates met the eligibility requirements established by the CDC–USA Constitution and election guidelines.
Certified Candidates
The National Elections Commission certified the following candidates to contest the respective positions:
Chairman
* Success A. B. Dennis (Iowa)
* Sarkpa Olugee Grear (Delaware)
Vice Chair for Administration
* Paul D. Tuider (New York)
* Jestina S. Sayon (Georgia)
Vice Chair for Operations
* Teddy Teh Lion Nyankun (North Dakota)
* Enoch Sowah (Rhode Island)
Vice Chair for Human Resources
* Seaton Grear (Rhode Island)
Vice Chair for Legal & Government Affairs
* Atty. Amos Teah Koffa (Oklahoma)
Vice Chair for International Affairs
* Dr. Anita Famatta Chioke (New York)
Vice Chair for Membership, Mobilization & Recruitment
* David Parker (Pennsylvania) (Pending/Still Under Review)
Vice Chair for Inter-Party Affairs
* Richard Wah Sio (South Dakota)
Vice Chair for Investment & Finance
* J. Alphonso Q. Derklah (New Jersey)
Secretary General
* Trokon Monghah (Minnesota)
* Nyanati Williams (Rhode Island)
Deputy Secretary General for Administration
* Chris N. Saylee (North Dakota)
Deputy Secretary for Planning, Policy & Research
* Patrick Marwolo (Iowa)
Financial Secretary
* Mulbah Lavalah (Indiana)
Treasurer
* Mlanyonorh Mamie Reeves (DMV)
Public Relations Officer
* Jacob K. Cooper (Pennsylvania)
Assistant Secretary for Press & Propaganda
* Sylvanus D. Paelay, Sr. (Indiana)
Chaplain
* Prophet Princess K. Armina Moore (DMV)
Chairperson, Women’s League
* Oretha D. Togba (Arizona)
Chairperson, Youth League
* Aletha M. Gbahn (Pennsylvania)
Chairperson, Disabled League
* Elizabeth Battipaglia (New York)
Secretary General, Disabled League
* Mercy Sauh (North Dakota)
Chairperson, Elder Council
* Nagbe Anthony Smith, Sr. (South Dakota)
With the publication of the final list of certified candidates, the National Elections Commission declared the campaign period officially open with immediate effect, authorizing all certified candidates to begin campaign activities in accordance with the CDC–USA Constitution, election regulations, and standards governing the electoral process.
The Commission called on candidates, supporters, and party members to conduct their campaigns peacefully and responsibly, emphasizing that campaigns must remain issue-based and respectful. It warned that personal attacks, intimidation, misinformation, and actions that undermine party unity will not be tolerated. Candidates were further reminded that any complaints or alleged violations must be submitted in writing to the Commission for review and appropriate action.
The CDC–USA National Elections Commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a free, fair, transparent, and credible electoral process as members prepare to elect a new national leadership during the convention.
This year’s National Convention is being held under the theme:
“Renewal for Result: One CDC, One Vision, One Future.”
Signed: Sub-Committee on Communications, Mobilization & Outreach

UNDER THE PALAVA HUT || SPECIAL EDITORIAL

“ELECTORAL ENGINEERING WILL PLUNGE LIBERIA INTO CRISIS”

On the Unity Party’s Proposed Amendments to the New Elections Law. The amendment to the Elections Law, submitted by surrogates of the ruling Unity Party, is not just undemocratic — it has the propensity to plunge our nation into civil unrest.

We call on the Liberian Senate not to go in that dangerous direction by approving it.

We have reviewed the position stated by the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), and we believe it is strong, constitutional, and in the interest of protecting our democracy.

WHAT THE CDC SAID — AND WHY IT MATTERS

1. No Institution Should Be Judge, Jury, and Executioner
The bill seeks to concentrate excessive authority in the National Elections Commission — voter registration, objections, investigations, adjudication, staffing, and discipline. In a democracy, nobody serves as administrator, investigator, prosecutor, and judge in their own cause. Nemo Judex in Causa Sua.

2. Reducing Polling Hours = Voter Suppression
Cutting voting hours from 8am–6pm to 8am–4pm disproportionately affects rural voters, women, the elderly, disabled citizens, and working Liberians who travel long distances to vote. Article 77 guarantees maximum access, not restrictions.

3. 48-Hour Complaint Period is Unconstitutional
Article 83(c) gives parties 7 days to challenge results. You cannot use ordinary legislation to erase a constitutional guarantee. 48 hours kill due process.

4. Kicking Party Agents Out of Polling Centers Invites Fraud
Party representatives are the last line of defense against ballot stuffing, intimidation, and alteration of results. Removing them destroys transparency. No credible election happens in the dark.

5. 4,000 Voters Per Precinct + Fewer Hours = Disenfranchisement
Bigger precincts with shorter voting time mean long queues, chaos, and thousands leaving without voting. That’s not reform. That’s suppression.

6. Diaspora Voting Without Safeguards is a Disaster
We support diaspora voting. But without biometric verification, party observers, a chain of custody, and Supreme Court review, it becomes a pipeline for abuse.

7. Telling Parties Where to Put Headquarters is Repression
Articles 17 & 18 protect freedom of assembly and association. NEC has no business approving party offices. That’s political control, not regulation.

8. Tripling Candidate Fees Kills Democracy for the Poor
Democracy is not for sale. Excessive fees block women, youth, and ordinary Liberians. Article 77 says equal participation.

9. You Cannot Legalize Fraud
Section 5.14 says criminal violations shall not affect election outcomes. No legislature can immunize illegality. Only courts decide if fraud changes results.

10. Impossible Burden of Proof Destroys Justice
Forcing complainants to prove violations “would necessarily alter the overall outcome” shields wrongdoing. Evidence is with NEC. Fraud can’t always be quantified in 48 hours.

OUR POSITION AT THE PALAVA HUT

Viewed individually, these amendments look administrative. Viewed together, they reveal a pattern: concentrate power, restrict participation, limit remedies, weaken oversight, reduce transparency, and insulate results from judicial scrutiny. This is not reform. This is electoral engineering designed to entrench one party in power.
We join the CDC in calling for:

1. Immediate suspension of these amendments in their current form.

2. A National Electoral Reform Conference with all parties, the Bar Association, civil society, ECOWAS, women/youth groups, religious leaders, and international partners.

FINAL WORD
The CDC supports electoral reform but rejects electoral engineering. No temporary majority should rewrite the rules of competition to stay in power. The Constitution belongs to the Liberian people — not to the Unity Party. We will resist, through lawful and constitutional means, any attempt to weaken transparency, accountability, voter participation, judicial review, or the sovereign will of the people.

The Palava Hut has spoken.

No fear, just facts