Monrovia – Liberia’s Justice Minister Cllr. Fredrick Cherue has lamented that there were numerous constrains facing the Liberia National Police, but noted he is confident that they can handle the affairs of security in the country in the absence of the United Nations Mission in Liberia.
Minister Cherue was speaking during his visit to the LNP Headquarters to acquaint himself with the leadership of the Liberia National Police, as the first Justice Minister in recent times to hold breakfast meeting with officers.
The Liberian Justice Minister informed his audience that the need for information sharing among security institutions was necessary for the betterment of the Liberian society and will further build the confidence of the people in the security sector.
Commenting on the upcoming General and Presidential Elections, the Justice Minister reminded the officers of the pivotal role they have to play in the process, adding that this can’t be done if they are not prepared to continue sacrificing for their people.
“Mr. Director, I am aware of the sacrifices these offices are making by putting their lives on the line on a daily basis, for the sake of their country and people in fighting crimes in the Liberian Society, and I will make periodic visits to various Zones and Depots around the country along with the Director to meet the officers who are doing the job”, the minister said.
He said he will work with the central government to make the case of the police, in as addressing some of the logistical needs of the police service.
He warned officers of the police to desist form acts that have the propensity to undermine the growth and development of the police, stressing that drastic action awaits any one that will get involved in acts that run contrary to professional policing.
He reminded the officers of the commitment they made to protect their country, adding that such commitment must be upheld at all times.
“You made a commitment to this country and people, and I encourage you to continue living up to that commitment”, the Minister said.
Commenting earlier, the Police Inspector General lauded the Justice Minister for the visit and spoke of the improving relationship between the Ministry of Justice and the LNP.
Director Massaquoi informed the minister of the current constrains facing the Liberia National Police in the wake of low budgetary allotment.
“ Hon, Minister we have nothing to work with for now all the vehicles we have are down, and uniforms for officers have become a nightmare, as the budget can’t support the needs of the police” the Police boss asserted.
Col. Massaquoi said despite all of the constrains the Liberia National Police was making headways in fighting crimes in society. He called on Minister Cherue to advocate for the police as they have taken over from the peacekeeper.
He stressed the need for capacity building for officers of the LNP so as to provide better police service to the public.