Monrovia, Liberia — A Liberian political activist and commentator, Momo “Critical” Johnson, an ally of talk-show host Henry P. Costa, has issued a strongly worded public statement accusing Costa of what he characterizes as a long-standing pattern of misinformation, fabricated claims, and character attacks against public officials and private citizens.
In a statement widely circulated on social media and political forums, Johnson said his decision to speak out stems from years of association with Costa, during which he claims to have witnessed what he describes as repeated instances of “deliberate falsehoods” aired on Costa’s platform. Johnson alleges that Costa has made “over one hundred misleading or false claims” involving politicians, government officials, religious leaders, and activists.
Allegations Raised by a Former Associate
Johnson cited several past incidents to support his claims, including allegations that Costa:
• Accused former Monrovia Mayor Jefferson Tamba Koijee during a 2021 live podcast of involvement in a murder related to a land dispute in Caldwell, an accusation Johnson says was contradicted on air by the interviewee and ignored by Costa.
• Linked Koijee to electoral violence during the 2019 Montserrado County District #13 by-election, despite what Johnson says were legislative findings to the contrary.
• Claimed that former National Port Authority Managing Director Bill Twehway had been arrested in Belgium for money laundering, which Johnson maintains was untrue.
• Promoted allegations involving activist Jestina Taylor that Johnson says later unraveled due to contradictory accounts in subsequent radio interviews.
• Reported that Prophet Key had been deported from Morocco on the orders of the Liberian presidency, while Johnson says the religious figure remained in Morocco at the time.
• Misrepresented being invited by U.S. security authorities to the Pentagon.
• Issued conflicting statements regarding whether Representative Yekeh Kolubah carried firearms during the January 6 protest.
• Asserted that Mayor Koijee had been banned from traveling to the United States, a claim Johnson disputes, citing multiple later visits.
• Alleged ties between Koijee and Charles “Chuckie” Taylor Jr., which Johnson says were publicly denied.
• Made claims regarding Koijee’s alleged involvement as a child soldier during Liberia’s civil war, an assertion Johnson says is chronologically impossible.
• Challenged reports that former President George Weah met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Paris Peace Forum, before photographic evidence later emerged.
From Ally to Critic
Johnson emphasized that his criticism carries particular weight because of his alignment with Costa, stating that his break from the media personality was driven by what he described as irreconcilable differences over credibility, ethics, and responsibility in public discourse.
No Response Yet
As of the time of this report, Henry P. Costa has not issued a public response to Johnson’s latest remarks.
Henry P. Costa remains one of Liberia’s most recognizable and controversial media figures, known for outspoken commentary on governance and corruption. His work has drawn both strong public support and persistent criticism, reflecting the polarized nature of Liberia’s political environment.
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