A sitting Senator has made a bold statement declaring that “Liberia has lost the war against illicit drugs”.
The Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely believes that Liberia has already lost the war against illicit drugs with little or nothing to show. His critique is a contrast to President Joseph Boakai’s statement, declaring illegal drugs a national emergency during his first State of the Nation Address.
It can be recalled President Joseph Boakai declared drugs a national emergency, affirming his government’s commitment to minimize the proliferation of drugs in Liberia.
The Government of Unity Party (UP) under the leadership of Joseph Boakai among other things politically survived by using the word “kush” perhaps as a tool for campagin propaganda.
But, the Senator of Grand Gedeh sees Pres. Boakai’s steps against drugs so far as mere propaganda and empty promises.
He warned that politicians should avoid giving empty promises that are not applicable.
According to the Senator, the situation has worsened since President Joseph Boakai’s “Rescue” government declared a war on drug abuse.
Nimely, a former rebel leader turned senator, argued that despite the government’s ambitious declaration, drug-related issues in Liberia have continued to escalate.
“You cannot make pronouncements that you are unable to fulfil,” Senator Nimely criticized the government’s inability to follow through on its commitment to tackle drug abuse.
In January, during his State of the Nation Address, President Boakai announced that illicit drugs posed a public health emergency.
This declaration was accompanied by a public drug test involving the president and several government officials, as well as the formation of a presidential committee to combat drug abuse.
However, since the committee’s establishment, little progress has been made.
Senator Nimely also pointed out that the leadership instability at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency is a strong indication that the country is losing its fight against drug importers.
The senator pointed to internal conflict that persisted among the first batch of officials who were appointed by President Joseph Boakai at the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
He narrated to the recent resignation of the Officer in Chief of the LDEA who resigned months after his predecessors were suspended.
