Dr. Tuner alleged that the Boakai-led government is “weaponizing the justice system” to target critics while protecting loyalists allegedly implicated in corruption and abuse of office.
MONROVIA – The Political Leader of the New Liberia Party (NLP), Dr. Joshua Tom Tuner, has accused the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of promoting selective justice, lawlessness, and impunity, warning that Liberia is drifting toward authoritarianism under the guise of democracy.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, July 2, Dr. Tuner alleged that the Boakai-led government is “weaponizing the justice system” to target critics while protecting loyalists allegedly implicated in corruption and abuse of office.
“The Liberian people did not vote for tyranny in the name of democracy. What we are witnessing is not the rule of law, but the rule of loyalty — where party cronies enjoy immunity and dissenting voices face persecution,” said Dr. Tuner.
The opposition figure referenced what he called a growing number of unresolved cases involving government officials accused of financial misconduct and abuse of power, who have not faced investigations or legal consequences. He argued that, in contrast, critics of the administration and opposition figures are being targeted by law enforcement and subjected to public humiliation.
Dr. Tuner also criticized the national security sector, accusing the Liberia National Police (LNP) of partiality. He cited instances where the police allegedly failed to respond to violent attacks against peaceful protesters and opposition supporters. He further raised concerns about the slow pace of investigations into reported assaults on journalists.
“Liberia is gradually drifting into dangerous waters where only those who sing praises to the regime are protected by law. This is exactly the type of governance President Boakai promised to end. Today, his administration is embracing it with both arms,” he said.
The Office of the President has not responded to the allegations. However, both President Boakai and other government officials have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and equal justice under the law.
Despite these assurances, Dr. Tuner maintained his criticism, describing a “pattern of selective enforcement” in the government’s anti-corruption and justice efforts. He cited the Capitol Building arson case as a key example.
According to Dr. Tuner, Montserrado County District 5 Representative Precilla Cooper, one of the individuals initially charged, was granted medical leave and later excluded from the final indictment by the Grand Jury, even as others in similar situations were denied such reprieve.
“This government cannot preach reform while practicing repression. The Liberian people are watching, and we will not be silent while democracy is strangled,” Dr. Tuner said. He urged President Boakai to take concrete steps to ensure impartial justice, institutional independence, and equal application of the rule of law.
