Political Leader of the Liberian National Union (LINU), Dr. Clarence K. Moniba, has called for independent scrutiny of Liberia’s ongoing drug investigations, urging President Joseph N. Boakai to address the nation and establish a three-person panel to review the Government’s handling of cases linked to the country’s widening narcotics crisis.
Moniba’s call comes amid heightened public attention following the Government’s announcement of criminal charges against former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and several Liberian and foreign nationals in connection with an alleged transnational narcotics network.
While describing the allegations as extremely serious, he said anyone found guilty of drug trafficking or related crimes must face the full weight of the law. However, he cautioned against treating criminal allegations as established guilt, stressing that due process, impartiality and the rule of law must guide the investigations.
“This is not a defense of Madam Howard-Taylor or an attempt to excuse anyone who may have participated in criminal activity. If any person is found guilty of drug trafficking or related crimes, that person must be held fully accountable under the law. But accusations are not convictions,” Moniba said.
Speaking further, LINU political leader challenged the government to move beyond public pronouncements and present credible and admissible evidence before the courts, where accused persons should be afforded free, fair and impartial trials.
Moniba also expressed concern over what he described as Liberia’s history of high-profile investigations that attract intense public attention but sometimes fail to reach clear conclusions, citing previous arson and major corruption investigations. He said the government must demonstrate its ability to pursue sensitive cases to their lawful conclusions.
According to the LINU political leader, the magnitude of the current drug investigations makes the situation particularly serious, with implications for Liberia’s national security, justice system, international reputation and the future of its young people. At the same time, Moniba has urged President Boakai to speak directly to the Liberian people and reassure the country that all drug-related investigations will be pursued without fear, favor or political interference.
He said the President should make clear that no current or former government official, security officer, institution or politically connected individual will be protected from legitimate investigation and accountability.
To strengthen public confidence, Moniba proposed an independent three-person panel comprising credible Liberians to review the progress and handling of ongoing investigations involving current and former members of Liberia’s security and law-enforcement institutions.
He said the panel should have a limited and clearly defined mandate to determine whether investigations are being conducted professionally and independently and whether authorities are applying the same level of urgency and seriousness across all cases. Moniba wants the panel’s findings made public, arguing that transparency is essential to restoring confidence in the government’s handling of the drug crisis.
Meanwhile, the LINU political leader further demanded greater clarity on investigations involving individuals connected to the Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and airport security.
He urged the government to inform the public which investigations have been completed, who has been formally charged and which cases remain active. “This is not an argument for protecting anyone. It is an argument for one standard of justice,” Moniba declared. He maintained that political power, public office, institutional connections or influence must never determine who faces prosecution and who escapes scrutiny. As Liberia confronts growing concerns over illicit drugs and alleged trafficking networks, Moniba said the government faces a critical test of both its commitment to accountability and its respect for the rule of law. “The accused deserve due process. The Liberian people deserve the truth. And at this critical moment, the country deserves to hear directly from its leader,” he said.
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