—Demands ACCOUNTABILITY IN COCAINE INVESTIGATIONS
IPNEWS: The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) says I is appalled by reports that the Liberia National Police has illegally invited Senator Amara M. Konneh for questioning after he publicly demanded transparency and accountability concerning recent cocaine seizures r valued at approximately US$336 million.
In a statement issue in Monrovia late Monday, the CDC Leadership states that the reported decision to illegally subject a sitting senator to police questioning for raising matters of grave national concern represents a dangerous escalation in the government’s apparent use of law-enforcement institutions to intimidate elected officials and suppress legitimate public scrutiny.
The opposition party argues that Senator Konneh has a constitutional and representative duty to seek answers on matters affecting Liberia’s national security, international reputation and the welfare of its people. Any attempt to criminalize or obstruct the lawful exercise of legislative oversight crosses a dangerous democratic redline.
“The CDC categorically condemns and rejects the weaponization of the criminal justice system against lawmakers, political actors, journalists or citizens who demand accountability. Such conduct threatens the separation of powers, undermines legislative independence and violates the democratic principles guaranteed by the Constitution of Liberia.
The CDC stands firmly with Senator Konneh and every legislator seeking credible answers concerning:
1. The seizure of 237 kilograms of cocaine at Roberts International Airport, allegedly destined for London, United Kingdom;
2. The discovery of approximately 3,971 kilograms of cocaine and confirmation that vehicles and personnel of the Liberia National Police facilitated its movement;
3. The identities and roles of all public officials, security personnel and private individuals allegedly connected to these shipments;
4. The integrity, independence and present status of the investigations; and
5. The chain of custody, evidentiary safeguards and international cooperation surrounding both cases.” The CDC Maintains.
The party also argues that instead of providing clear and verifiable answers, the government appears determined to shift responsibility, evade accountability and intimidate those asking legitimate questions. This is reckless and must be resisted through lawful, peaceful and democratic action.
The CDC further maintains that Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman cannot credibly supervise or participate in an investigation involving serious allegations against personnel and operational units under his command. The relationships among the Police Inspector General, the former Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, police officers seconded to the LDEA, and Highway Patrol Commander Waddell Kwabo create substantial conflicts of interest and damaging institutional bias.
Accordingly, the CDC calls for the immediate withdrawal of any police invitation intended to question or intimidate Senator Konneh for performing his constitutional responsibilities; the Immediate recusal of Inspector General Gregory O.W Coleman and every official whose office, personnel or conduct falls within the scope of the investigation ,and the establishment of a genuinely independent investigation involving credible international partners with expertise in transnational organized crime and narcotics trafficking;
Additionally, CDC demands the Full legislative scrutiny of the cocaine seizures, including public hearings where legally appropriate; and Protection for lawmakers, witnesses, journalists and whistleblowers who provide relevant information.
CDC statement concludes: “Liberia cannot investigate allegations involving its own security institutions through a process controlled by the same officials whose conduct require examination. Public confidence demands independence, transparency and accountability—not intimidation.
The Liberian people deserve the truth. Those entrusted with public authority must answer legitimate questions rather than use state power against those asking them.
The CDC also sternly condemns the bogus charges against Atty. Jefferson Chesson. Criminal Charges are evaluated and levied by the state not private individuals. The state cannot be hiding behind private citizens to target critics and political opponents as in the case of the bogus, unmeritorious and Frivolous charges being pursued against Atty. J. Jefferson Chesson by government of Liberia prosecutors.
The CDC therefore urges all democratic institutions, civil society organizations, religious leaders, the independent media and Liberia’s international partners to closely monitor these developments and stand against any attempt to obstruct legislative oversight or compromise the integrity of the cocaine investigations.
The time for evasion is over. The Liberian people demand answers, accountability and justice.”
