On Sunday, May 21, 2023, a group of partisans from the National Patriotic Party (NPP) unlawfully stormed the premises of the Christ Chapel of Faith of Evangelist Prince Y. Johnson and disrupted normal service. “Like other peace-loving and God-fearing people did, the National Patriotic Party hereby condemns the action of these individuals. Their lawlessness, exhibited, does not represent the best of the NPP,” the NPP, headed by Senator James Biney as Chairman, said in a press release.
According to the release, issued May 24, 2023 and signed by Senator Biney, “Barely one week ago we disclosed that the NPP was divided, with one group being lawless. It is important to note that the NPP partisans who disrupted the church service are from the group presided over by Madam Jewel Howard Taylor. The group comprises people appointed by Madam Taylor to positions in what she referred to as ‘expanded NEC’, unsupported by convention and the constitution of the party.”
The release noted, “Peter Bleedi, Jr. and Jimmy Tobey, the ringleaders of the church saga, and Roland Duo, all accompanied Madam Taylor on her recent political tour to the southeast, campaigning for the Weah-Taylor ticket. We ask the public to view the videos of Madam Taylor’s recent tour to the southeast. As such, Madam Taylor should step up and take control of her supporters who are denigrating the party in the name of protecting her and the President.
“Sadly, this latest action by Madam Taylor’s loyalists in the party destroyed all we worked for over the years trying to rebrand the NPP. The NPP reached this level of acceptance because of strides we made [at foreign missions both in Liberia and outside of Liberia] and the lawful and democratic conduct we exhibited over the years.”
The release continued, “There are more good people than bad people in the NPP. There are partisans of the NPP who tolerate dissent and criticism from our political adversaries.
“In light of this, we apologize to the Christ Chapel of Faith on behalf of the NPP and appeal to the public to not characterize the NPP on the basis of the action of these few misguided persons.”
See full press release below: