𝗛𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗢𝗝, 𝗟𝗡𝗣

-Tasks committees to look into LDEA leadership crisis

By Jerromie S. Walters

The Plenary of the Liberian Legislature has voted to summon the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Justice to explain the recent actions of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Police Support Unit (PSU) of the Liberia National Police (LNP). This decision, made during the 9th day of the extraordinary session on September 17, was prompted by concerns raised by Maryland County District 2 Representative Anthony F. Williams regarding the treatment of citizens in Pleebo Sodoken.

Rep. Williams highlighted troubling reports that PSU and ERU officers have been forcibly removing residents from their homes and marketplaces under the guise of conducting “search and seizure” operations for palm oil, allegedly at the request of the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP).

In his communication to the Plenary, Williams stated, “Our investigation has revealed that the ‘search and seizure’ warrant was grossly misused. The warrant lacked clear specifications regarding what items were to be seized, which areas were to be searched, and which individuals were targeted. Instead, it was executed arbitrarily, deviating from the established legal protocols for such actions.”

The Maryland lawmaker emphasized that, according to Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, a search and seizure warrant must be issued based on a sworn affidavit that clearly details the items to be seized, the locations to be searched, and the individuals involved. Section 11.2 of the Criminal Procedure Law mandates that any property subject to search and seizure must be explicitly identified in the warrant, which must also be approved by a competent judicial authority to ensure lawful conduct and respect for individual rights.

Williams further argued, “The warrant’s lack of specificity and its arbitrary execution represent a clear violation of these legal requirements. The absence of detailed information contravenes the procedural safeguards designed to protect against unreasonable searches and seizures, as enshrined in the Constitution of Liberia. Article 21(f) explicitly protects individuals from arbitrary searches and seizures, stipulating that such actions must be conducted under a warrant issued upon probable cause.”

The representative expressed grave concerns over reports that police have been seizing private citizens’ properties, particularly red oil, on the basis that it belongs to MOPP. He pointed out that citizens have engaged in small-scale oil palm production for both personal use and commercial purposes long before MOPP’s establishment. “The seizure of private citizens’ oil palm products constitutes an abuse of power and a violation of the right to private property as guaranteed by the Liberian Constitution,” he stated.

Williams cautioned that the police’s actions could incite violence if not addressed promptly, drawing parallels to previous unrest in Grand Cape Mount County involving Bea Mountain Mining Company and conflicts in Bong County related to China Union.

In response to these serious allegations, members of the legislative body have voted to require the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Justice to appear before the Plenary upon their return to provide clarification on these matters.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives (HoR) of the 55th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia has assigned its committees on Drugs and Rehabilitation, Health, National Security, and Youth and Sports to collaborate with the Presidential Steering Committee on Drugs in addressing the ongoing leadership crisis at the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).

This decision was made on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, following a communication from Alexander Poure, Representative for Electoral District No. 1 in River Gee County. The committees are expected to provide a report upon the House’s return.

In his communication titled “Request for the Appearance of the Minister of State,” Representative Poure stated, “Dear Honourable Cllr. J. Fonati Kofa, Compliments. I write to request the appearance of Mr. Sylvester Grisby, Minister of State, to appear before this August body. The purpose of this request is to address the current situation concerning the leadership of the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).”

He elaborated on the issue, noting, “On June 3rd, 2024, a significant dispute erupted between Col. Abraham Kromah, Director General of LDEA, and his two deputies, leading to their immediate suspension. Consequently, Mr. Christophus C. Peters was appointed as Acting Director General, pending further action. However, as of now, no permanent resolution has been made regarding Col. Abraham Kromah’s reinstatement or Mr. Peters’ formal appointment as Director General.”

Given the critical nature of the drug crisis affecting over one million Liberians and recent reports of approximately USD 40 million worth of drugs seized at Roberts International Airport, Representative Poure emphasized the urgency of addressing the leadership vacuum to ensure effective oversight.

He concluded, “Therefore, I urge plenary to invite Mr. Sylvester Grisby to explain the President’s stance on these matters and to provide clarity on the next steps for legitimizing the leadership at the LDEA. This will help reinforce our commitment to combating the drug crisis effectively. Thank you for your attention to this request.”

At the same time, the House of Representatives (HOR) has tasked its joint committee on Judiciary, Internal Affairs, Ways, Means, and Finance with reviewing three proposed bills aimed at creating the townships of Kamatahun, Massabolahun, and Lenbagba within the Wanhassa and Tengia Administrative Districts of Lofa County.

In a statement released by the House’s Press Bureau on Monday, September 16, the decision to review these bills follows a formal communication from District Representative Julie FatormaWiah.

Representative Wiah emphasized that the establishment of these townships will significantly enhance both political and socio-economic development in Lofa County, particularly in District 2. She highlighted that the new townships would facilitate better governance and create job opportunities, while also providing the government with additional resources.

The joint committee is expected to deliver its report within one week, paving the way for further legislative action on this important initiative.