By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Grand Gedeh County Senator, Zoe Emmanuel Pennue, has categorically rejected widespread allegations that, through traditional means, he masterminded the death of Erol Manson Gwion, who was recently elected to Represent Grand Gedeh County in the Lower House of the Legislature.
“The destruction of my properties on allegations that, I have a hand in the death of Representative Erol M. Gwion is based on mere jealousy and envy by a group of defeated candidates who once contested against me in an election “, Senator Pennue asserted.
“Look, when the incident took place, I quietly sat as a human, and leader of the people of Grand Gedeh County to reflect on the situation and how-to response. But, again as a leader, I see it as a test from those who I have defeated over the past ten years,” the Senator told reporters on 11, December, 2023, at his Capitol Building Office in Monrovia.
“Barbarism has no place in modern days. We vehemently condemn this lawlessness and unwarranted act by those preposterous and wayward individuals. Liberia is a country of law.”
While emphasizing that he plays no part in the death of the Grand Gedeh County Representative-elect, Gwion, Senator Pennue maintains that he has been targeted in the county for his “composure and popularity.”
Senator Pennue indicated that his “critics and political rivals” see him as a threat to their future political ambitions.
However, the Senator reechoed his condolences to the bereaved family. He also extended sympathies to all those who have been affected by “this irreparable loss.”
“We pray to find comfort, peace of mind, and hold together in our thoughts as one people to navigate through these difficult and painful corridors,” the Senator stressed.
On the morning of Tuesday, December 5, 2023, a group of individuals described as “hooligans and bandits” rampaged through Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County, as they set ablaze one of the two houses reportedly belonging to Senator Pennue on claims of his involving in the death of Representative-elect, Erol M. Gwion.
The protestors also vandalized and looted homes, including a house belonging to some traditional leaders in the county.
Senator Pennue and some traditional leaders are reportedly being blamed for Representative-elect, Erol M. Gwion’s death via traditional means.
It was reported that during the melee, market centers, shops, and stores, and other businesses including schools were closed due to the panic created by the perpetrators.
It is not clear whether or not anyone has been arrested in connection to the violence by the Liberia National Police (LNP).
It is also not clear whether or not circumstances leading to the death of the Representative-elect are being investigated by the appropriate authorities considering the allegations bordering on cause of his death.
