Monrovia – Representative J. Marvin Cole of Bong County District #3 has officially resigned from the National Patriotic Party (NPP), citing breaches of the party's constitution and a lack of due process.

In a resignation letter addressed to former Vice President and NPP Standard Bearer Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor on Thursday, January 23, Rep. Cole detailed his reasons for stepping down. He condemned what he described as an “illegal suspension” orchestrated by NPP National Chairman George Sylvester Mulbah and other party executives.

Allegations of Illegal Suspension

Rep. Cole asserted that his suspension, along with others in the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), was enacted without the opportunity for him to defend himself, in violation of the NPP’s bylaws and constitution.

“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 stated in his letter.

Disappointment in Leadership

Rep. Cole expressed profound disappointment in Chairman Mulbah’s leadership, accusing him and other executives of failing to uphold the party’s constitution and neglecting the interests of the Liberian people. He reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law amid the ongoing legislative disputes.

The two-term legislator reflected on his long association with the NPP, thanking the party for its support throughout his political career but emphasizing that it was time to move on. After consulting with family, political allies, and religious leaders, Rep. Cole said his decision to resign was final.

“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 wrote.

Chairman Mulbah Responds

NPP Chairman George Sylvester Mulbah responded to the resignation, expressing confusion over the accusations. He denied endorsing Rep. Cole’s suspension, emphasizing that no provision in the House rules requires party leadership to approve disciplinary actions taken by the legislature.

“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 remarked.

Mulbah also criticized Rep. Cole’s earlier inflammatory comments, which suggested the NPP had the capacity to incite violence in Liberia. He stated that the party had already distanced itself from Cole, who had not participated in party activities since 2022.

“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 stated.

Clarifications on Allegations

Addressing claims about his meetings with Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, Mulbah emphasized that his relationships with colleagues should not be scrutinized.

“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,” Mulbah said.

A Divided House

The resignation of Rep. Cole underscores the growing rifts within the NPP and Liberia’s broader political landscape. While Mulbah expressed confidence in the “lawful people” prevailing over “lawless” individuals, the situation highlights deepening tensions within the legislature and political parties.

“There are more lawful people in the House than lawless people, and the lawful people will prevail over lawless people,” Mulbah concluded.

Rep. Cole’s departure marks a turning point for the NPP and raises questions about the party’s internal dynamics as Liberia’s political climate continues to evolve.