Liberia: Mary Broh and Her Band of "Sanitation Soldiers" Storm Capitol Hill
Mary Broh in her war-like and traditional attire.
The Chair of the Citizens Engagement Board, Mary Broh, has led an army of sanitation workers to the Capitol in protest of an invitation from lawmakers who wanted to question her over allegations of abuse of power.
Gowned in traditional Kru attire, the General Services Agency (GSA) Director-General and a crew of 30 cleaners gathered at the building front gate, opposite the Executive Mansion in work gear with tools in hands, sending a clear message that the seat of the first branch of government needs some facelift.
After all, the Capitol, which is home to 73 Representatives and 30 Senators and the office of the Vice President, has over the years suffered issues of filthy bathrooms and poor upkeep, despite having highly paid politicians that have their offices there.
The arrival of Madam Broh and her band of sanitation soldiers, armed with brooms and other cleaning materials, attracted hundreds to the scene, while others gazed over their shoulders as they strolled by to get a glance of what was unfolding.
They sang loudly while holding their noses, indicating that the Capitol Building was full of stench.
The CEB boss and team were expected to appear before the Plenary of the House of Representatives today at noon to formally respond to an alleged complaint filed by Montserrado County District # 7, Rep. Solomon C. George, who alleged that members of the Citizens Engagement Board destroyed properties and violated rights, as well as flogged, handcuffed and imprisoned residents and people of Liberia.
Rep. George stressed in his communication that the destruction of properties included bananas and plantains, worth about L$4.7 million.
Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives are in session and Madam Broh's failure to appear and actions are expected to bě discussed.
This is not Madam Broh's first invitation by the Legislature. During the 53rd Legislature, under then-House Speaker Alex Tyler, she was ordered sent to the Monrovia Central Prison but her imprisonment was upstaged by a group of women under the guidance of former Superintendent of Montserrado County, Grace Kpaan.
Also, Madam Broh and Speaker Chambers, who was a mere lawmaker at the time, quarreled his bitter stance against former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
She led a crew of her 'sanitation soldiers' who sang songs in his original name, in which she claimed he criminally changed in the USA to "Bhofal Chambers."
More details to follow later.