THE AFTERMATH OF the November 14, 2023, presidential election in Liberia continues controversies and reference fromtragic incidents of electoral violence, especially the one that led to the recent death of Joshua Solomon, a strong supporter of the ruling party.
AMID THIS UNFORTUNATE situation, a stalwart of the Unity Party (UP), Queen Johnson, has found herself at the center of controversy. Recently declared wanted by the police for her alleged involvement in the violence, Johnson was apprehended but managed to escape with the assistance of the Chief Inspector of Police.
IN WHAT APPEARS to be a battle to ensure that justice is served and the fight to gain political dividends, the Liberia National Police has with immediate effect dismissed the Chief Inspector of Police, who is also the Chief of Technical Services of the Liberia National Police, Ithamar Harding of Unit 187, for facilitating the escape of murder suspect Peaches Johnson.
WITHOUT FEAR OR favor, it appears that the Chief of Technical Services of the Liberia National Police is seeking political dividends from the end of the Unity Party, especially as they prepare for their ascendency to state power comes January 22, 2024.
UNITY PARTY STALWART, Peaches Johnson who is alsoknown as the rescue queen was arrested on Friday, January 5, 2024, at the Red-Lion entertainment center where she had gone to amuse herself. According to police Spokesman, H. Moses Carter, while en route to the headquarters of the LNP, she was driven off in the vehicle operated by senior police officer Ithamar Harding.
“WHILE IN ROUTE to the headquarters of the Liberia National Police to have Madam Johnson face investigation, she was driven off the LNP headquarters in the vehicle operated by one of our senior police officers Ithamar Harding, and as a result, absconded the scene here at the headquarters of the National Police.”
AS EARLIER PROVIDED, this vividly displayed how intentional Ithamar Harding’s action was, and unveiled his selfish political motive that undermines the work of the LNP and what it (LNP) stands for.
IN ANY DEMOCRATIC society, justice and accountability are the pillars that uphold the rule of law. It is essential that all individuals, regardless of their political standing, are held accountable for their actions. The tragic loss of Joshua’s life during the electoral violence demands a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police must carry out an unbiased investigation, ensuring that justice is served and the truth prevails.
AS WIDELY KNOWN- the police play a crucial role in maintaining law and order and upholding justice in society. The recent escape of Queen Johnson, allegedly with the assistance of the Chief Inspector of Police, raises serious concerns about the integrity of the law enforcement agency.
LIKE THE CASE of the LNP Inspector, the police must conduct themselves in a manner that is impartial and free from political influence. Any involvement of police officers in aiding the escape of a suspect undermines the trust and confidence that the public places in the law enforcement system.
ON THE OTHER hand, while it is understandable that supporters of the Unity Party may rally behind her and believe in her innocence, it is crucial to separate personal loyalty from the pursuit of justice. Blindly supporting a fugitive undermines the principles of justice and accountability that are essential for a functioning democracy.
