MONROVIA, Liberia — Political Leader of the Liberian National Union (LINU), Dr. Clarence K. Moniba, has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to address the Liberian people on the country’s ongoing drug investigations and establish an independent panel to review the progress of the cases.
In a press release issued on August 24, 2026, Dr. Moniba proposed a three-member panel of credible Liberians to assess whether the investigations are being conducted professionally, independently and with equal urgency across cases.
The call follows the government’s announcement of criminal charges against former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and several other Liberian and foreign nationals in connection with the country’s widening drug crisis. Dr. Moniba described the allegations as serious but stressed that accusations should not be treated as convictions.
He maintained that anyone found guilty of drug trafficking or related offenses must be held accountable under the law, while every accused person must be afforded due process and a fair and impartial trial.
Dr. Moniba also urged the government to provide greater clarity on the status of high-profile investigations, including cases involving individuals connected to the Liberia National Police, National Security Agency, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency and airport security.
According to him, the proposed independent panel should determine which investigations have been completed, which individuals have been formally charged and which cases remain active. He further called for the panel’s findings to be made public.
Calls for Presidential Leadership
Dr. Moniba urged President Boakai to speak directly to the Liberian people and reassure the public that the ongoing investigations will be pursued to their lawful conclusion.
He emphasized that no government official, security officer, politically connected individual or institution should receive protection because of public office or influence.
“The accused deserve due process. The Liberian people deserve the truth,” Dr. Moniba said, adding that Liberia’s justice system must apply one standard of justice to all.
He said the current drug investigation has implications beyond the justice system, including Liberia’s national security, international reputation and future as a country.
Dr. Moniba concluded by urging the government to balance accountability with due process, insisting that “justice must not be selective” and that the truth must ultimately be established.
