Monrovia – Unity Party Chairman Rev. Dr. Luther Tarpeh has sharply rejected former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah’s criticism of the government’s prosecution of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, accusing him of using partisan arguments to undermine Liberia’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking.
Tarpeh’s response comes after Tweah warned that the prosecution of Howard-Taylor could damage Liberia’s international reputation and deepen an already growing crisis of public confidence in the government.
But Tarpeh defended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s handling of the drug investigation, insisting that the administration will not shield politically connected individuals from prosecution and that the campaign against narcotics must continue regardless of a suspect’s former position.
“I have tried to remain silent and allow the drug bust investigation to play out,” Tarpeh said, arguing that the national security agencies involved in the investigation are professional and committed to what he described as a national “soul cleansing exercise” against narcotic substances.
He said Tweah’s characterization of the government’s anti-drug campaign as a political witch hunt was surprising, particularly because of his role in the previous administration.
Tarpeh accused the former finance minister of resorting to what he called political scapegoating rather than offering a balanced and patriotic assessment of the drug investigation.
According to the Unity Party chairman, describing the government’s campaign as politically motivated reflects the mentality of the former administration and its approach to governance.
Tarpeh also challenged Tweah to acknowledge that officials from the current government have faced consequences during the investigation, arguing that the administration has demonstrated that political affiliation does not guarantee protection from scrutiny.
He specifically pointed to the dismissal of senior security and airport operational officials over alleged links to the drug investigation, asking whether those officials were not members or appointees of the Unity Party-led government.
His argument, he said, demonstrates that the administration is prepared to act against individuals implicated in the investigation regardless of their political standing.
“Going forward, anyone, regardless of position past and present, must face justice,” Tarpeh said, rejecting what he described as a “sacred cow mentality” that has protected powerful individuals in Liberia for generations.
He further accused Tweah and his political allies of failing to recognize the broader consequences of drug trafficking for Liberia, arguing that the country cannot afford to become known internationally as a major drug transit point in West Africa.
Tarpeh said the Boakai administration is attempting to change Liberia’s international image and will not allow the country to be defined by narcotics trafficking.
“That will not happen on the watch of President Boakai and the Unity Party,” he declared.
Tarpeh’s response also took aim at the argument that the government should be particularly cautious when prosecuting prominent political figures.
He rejected the suggestion that powerful individuals should receive different treatment under the law, asking whether ordinary Liberians should continue bearing the consequences of drug abuse while influential people escape accountability.
The Unity Party chairman also defended Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, who has been at the center of the government’s broader drug enforcement efforts.
“IG Greg Coleman is not going nowhere until the drug empire is broken in our nation,” Tarpeh said, signaling continued political backing for the security leadership overseeing the investigation.
Tweah Raises International Reputation Concerns
Tweah’s criticism of the prosecution took a fundamentally different approach.
The former finance minister argued that the case against Howard-Taylor carries implications far beyond Liberia’s domestic political divisions because international observers are likely to view the allegations through the actions of Liberia’s national leadership.
He warned that foreigners unfamiliar with Liberia’s political parties may judge the country through the conduct of its president, vice president and other national institutions.
According to Tweah, prosecuting a former vice president for political purposes without overwhelming evidence could therefore damage the country’s reputation rather than merely harming the individual facing the charges.
He argued that the government must be “200% certain” of its case and possess evidence that is unimpeachable before bringing such serious allegations against a former national leader.
Tweah also rejected the argument that the courts should simply determine the matter after charges have been filed, saying the government carries a heightened responsibility when pursuing a former vice president.
He drew a comparison with the United States and the political consequences surrounding the prosecution of former President Donald Trump, arguing that criminal proceedings against former national leaders can have consequences that extend beyond the courtroom.
For Tweah, the central issue is public confidence in the government itself.
He questioned why citizens should automatically trust a government’s criminal allegations if they believe the government may be using prosecution for political purposes.
Tweah said the Howard-Taylor case has therefore become a test of public trust, arguing that the government must prove its allegations through credible evidence rather than rely on its authority as the state.
He also pointed to reported concerns among traditional leaders and citizens, suggesting that public reaction to the case deserves greater attention.
