Monrovia — The Political Leader of the Reformers National Congress, Rev. Alexander Ndorbor Kollie, has welcomed the ongoing investigation into Liberia’s US$317 million drug case, but warned that the probe must not become a political weapon or another exercise in selective justice.
By Jaheim T. Tumu
In a statement issued Monday, Kollie said the RNC appreciates the Government of Liberia, the international community and, particularly, the joint investigative team for what he described as their commitment to investigating allegations surrounding illegal drug activities.
He said the investigation has moved beyond political parties, personal relationships and positions of influence and has become a matter of national concern requiring the attention of every Liberian committed to protecting the country’s future.
Kollie said Liberians have long demanded a justice system in which no individual is considered above the law and national interest takes precedence over political protection.
According to him, the current investigation presents an opportunity to demonstrate that principle in practice.
‘Old Wine in New Bottles’
The RNC political leader, however, warned against returning to what he described as Liberia’s longstanding culture of political protection, where individuals accused of wrongdoing are shielded by allies because political power eventually changes hands.
He said the practice of political groups protecting one another has created a system in which accountability becomes selective and justice depends on who controls government.
“This has given rise to what many people describe as the situation of ‘old wine in new bottles’ — changing faces while maintaining the same practices,” Kollie said.
He argued that Liberia is now at a critical point where the country must determine whether it is genuinely committed to governance based on law, fairness and accountability or whether political connections will continue to determine outcomes.
RNC Warns Against Political Witch-Hunt
While commending the progress of the drug investigation, Kollie urged the joint investigative team to maintain professionalism, independence and fairness throughout the process.
“The fight against drugs must not become a political weapon,” he warned.
He said the investigation must not be used to settle political scores, pursue opponents or shield individuals connected to people in authority.
The RNC is therefore calling for the process to remain free from what it described as political witch-hunts, favoritism and selective justice.
Kollie said every Liberian must be treated equally, regardless of political affiliation, economic status, relationship with government officials or connection to influential individuals.
“If someone is found to have played a role in any criminal activity, that person must face the consequences according to the laws of Liberia,” he said.
He stressed that the principle should apply equally to individuals linked to the presidency, opposition parties, the business community or other institutions.
‘The People Are Watching’
Kollie said the public is closely monitoring the investigation and waiting to determine whether it will represent a genuine turning point or follow the pattern of previous investigations that generated public attention before eventually fading without meaningful consequences.
“We sincerely hope and pray that this case will not become another example of ‘business as usual,’” he said.
According to Kollie, Liberia has suffered from too many “broken promises and unfinished processes,” and citizens deserve answers, transparency and a justice system capable of restoring confidence in national institutions.
He urged investigators to ensure that the drug case produces a credible outcome based on evidence and the rule of law.
Drug Fight Must Include Corruption
Beyond the cocaine investigation, Kollie called on the government to broaden its fight against what he described as another major threat to Liberia’s development: corruption.
He said the same level of energy and commitment being applied to combating drug trafficking should also be directed toward fighting corruption throughout government and society.
“In our view, drug abuse and corruption are both national disasters,” Kollie said.
He argued that while drugs can devastate individuals and communities, corruption has the capacity to undermine entire societies by weakening institutions and depriving citizens of essential services and opportunities.
“When corruption enters the health sector, citizens suffer and lives are lost,” he said. “When corruption enters education, the dreams of young people are destroyed.”
He similarly warned that corruption in agriculture can threaten food security, while corruption within government institutions can erode public trust and stall national development.
‘Both Have the Ability to Destroy Generations’
Kollie said the fight against drug trafficking should therefore be viewed as part of a broader national effort to protect Liberia’s young people and strengthen the country’s institutions.
The RNC, he said, believes combating drugs is not simply about prosecuting individuals involved in trafficking but also about protecting communities and ensuring that young Liberians have opportunities to pursue their ambitions without being destroyed by dangerous substances.
At the same time, he said corruption must receive equal attention because of its long-term consequences.
“We must also fight against corruption with the same determination because both can destroy generations,” he said.
Call for Broad National Cooperation
The RNC called on the government, investigative agencies, civil society organizations, international partners and Liberians to work together to strengthen accountability and the rule of law.
Kollie said the ongoing drug investigation should become an opportunity to establish a new standard in which accountability is not determined by political affiliation and justice is not reserved for the politically weak.
“Let this moment become a new chapter in Liberia’s history — a chapter where accountability is no longer based on political affiliation, where justice is not reserved for the weak, and where every citizen understands that their actions have consequences,” he said.
He concluded by urging investigators to remain courageous, professional and committed to the truth, saying the outcome of the case will be closely watched by Liberians and future generations.
“The people of Liberia are watching. History is watching. And the future generation of this country will judge us based on the decisions we make today,” Kollie said.
