IPNEWS: Representative J. Marvin Cole, the Representative of Bong County District #3, has officially resigned from the National Patriotic Party (NPP), citing constitutional breaches and a lack of due process within the party.
In a resignation letter addressed to former Vice President and NPP Standard Bearer, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor Thursday, January 23, Rep. Cole detailed the reasons behind his decision, emphasizing what he described as an “illegal suspension” carried out by NPP’s National Chairman, Hon. George Sylvester Mulbah, and other party executives.
The suspension, which also affected other members of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), was enacted without allowing him the opportunity to defend himself, as required by the party’s bylaws and constitution, Rep. Cole said.
“Madam Standard Bearer and my distinguished partisans, my resignation is predicated upon the stance taken by the national chairman… to endorse my illegal suspension along with some members of the Coalition for Democratic Change,” Rep. Cole wrote in his letter.
Rep. Cole also expressed his deep disappointment in Chairman Mulbah’s leadership, accusing him and other executives of failing to protect the party’s constitution and neglecting the interests of the Liberian people.
He further underscored his commitment to upholding the rule of law in the face of the ongoing legislative impasse.
A two-term legislator, Rep. Cole reflected on his long-standing relationship with the NPP, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his political career.
“I will forever be grateful to the National Patriotic Party for the support I have enjoyed as a member since 1997, including the opportunity to contest on the party’s ticket with commanding victories,” he stated.
However, after consulting with family, friends, political allies, and religious leaders, he concluded that it was time to part ways with the party. “The law is the law,” Rep. Cole emphasized, reaffirming his dedication to constitutional governance.
Rep. Cole extended his well-wishes to the NPP, the people of Bong County District #3, and the nation, reiterating his commitment to serving the Liberian people.
In response, NPP Chairman George Sylvester Mulbah addressed Rep. Cole’s resignation, stating that he was perplexed by the accusations made by the representative, particularly regarding his alleged endorsement of the suspension.
“It is difficult for me to comprehend the logic for accusing me or the NPP for endorsing his suspension by his colleagues when there is no provision in the House rules that requires the endorsement of a political party leadership for the House decision to discipline its members,” Mulbah said.
Mulbah further clarified that the party’s disagreement with Rep. Cole centered around his inflammatory remarks suggesting that the NPP had the capacity to incite violence in Liberia.
“Let me say it clearly that the NPP stands to lose nothing from the departure of Rep. Cole because he has already distanced himself from the party,” Mulbah added, noting that Rep. Cole had not been involved in party activities since 2022.
He also addressed the controversy surrounding his meetings with Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, stating that he would continue to meet with his colleagues as he sees fit.
“Hon. Thomas P. Fallah is my friend whom I have worked with for 12 years. Meeting him can’t be a crime. I will visit him as many times as possible. You can’t determine my friends, just as I can’t determine yours.”
In conclusion, Mulbah expressed confidence that the “lawful people” in the House of Representatives would prevail over “lawless” individuals.
“There are more lawful people in the House than lawless people, and the lawful people will prevail over lawless people,” he asserted.
