Monrovia — Opposition Unity Party Standard Bearer, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, is worried about the threat the current atmosphere of insecurity and violence would pose on the pending elections, in the wake of a “negligence posture” by the George Manneh Weah administration towards curbing them.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Boakai told a news conference Monday, February 27, that violence and criminal activities are rife and remain a major threat to the peace of residents in Monrovia and many other communities in the country, under the Weah administration.
“Burglary, armed robbery, rape, drug trafficking, substance abuse, theft, and other acts of violence on persons have become common features of concern in our communities,” Boakai said.
Sadly, according to him, the responsiveness of the nation’s security institutions is still challenged with structural and capacity deficiencies, being highly negligible.
This, he believes, is a result of the state security system being limited and under-resourced.
However, Boakai contended that instead of investing in people’s and community security, President Weah is focused more on elite and private security, which tends to serve him and his few officials.
His comments come days after the home of former Chief Justice Gloria Musu Scott, was attacked on February 23, which also led to the untimely death of her daughter Charloe Musu.
He said: “I condemn in the strongest possible terms this despicable, cowardly attack and an act of barbarity carried out by armed men on the Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and many other attacks on Liberians and residents, who remain anonymous and suffer in silence, and whose stories we do not often hear and whose investigations remain inconclusive.”
He termed the act of violence on former Justice Scott, a member of our judiciary, and many others who do not get justice, as an attack on the foundation of the rule of law and democratic society, following years of violent conflict in Liberia.
At the same time, the former Vice President has given a contrary view; on “investment in people’s security,” stressing that it does not only limit violence and conflict but increases access to security for all and builds a peaceful society.
Boakai feared that the invasion of the home of former Chief Justice Musu-Scott and the violent attack on her family by armed men is a reminder of the numerous acts of violence and lawlessness that occur each day in homes and communities around the country with nowhere for citizens to turn for help.
“Our information is that the attackers stabbed the victims multiple times, causing the death of Justice Scott’s daughter, Charloe Musu, and serious injuries to another family member who was in the home,” he bemoan.
“My wife Kartumu Boakai and I mourn with justice Scott and her family in their grief and pray for them as well as the soul of their loved one who was tragically murdered in the incident. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded family member.
We note that the attack on Justice Scott and her family occurred after two prior incidents of attack by armed men on her home on the 8th and 9th of February, which she reported.”
He surmised that government negligence to provide Cllr. Musu-Scott security, after two previous violent attacks and the delay of the police to arrive after the assassin had left, speaks volumes.
As a result, Amb. Boakai is calling for justice to prevail and that the perpetrator to be brought to justice.
He moreover stated: “We, accordingly, demand a speedy investigation into the incident and associated circumstances and request that the outcome of said investigation be made public.”
“The perpetrators of this heinous act must be brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.”
The Unity Party Political Leader emphasized that violence and intimidation much not be employed by a sitting government to undermine the hard-won peace and erode the fundamental principles of freedom and democracy Liberians aspire for her country.
This brazen act of criminality, according to him, sadly underscores the tragic state of affairs in the country, where no one is safe, not even in their own home.
Boakai then called on international partners to take note of the deteriorating security situation and to join Liberians in their demand to impress on the government to fulfill its foremost obligation.
He said the failure of the Weah-led administration to perform its basic duty of providing safety and security to citizens and residents alike is a major drifter of his constitutional obligation as president.
Nevertheless, Boakai noted that these atrocities and provocations on the peace will not be a deterrent to continue collectively investing in the country’s peace.
“Liberians will march forward to the ballot box to vote the change they deserve,” Boakai averred.
“The change which will ultimately usher in the guarantees for their human dignity.”
At the same time, he has urged Liberians to be their brothers and sisters’ keepers, by strengthening community watch groups and forming groups where none currently exist.
Meanwhile, Boakai let out that President Weah and his government have thrown in the towel, and just as they cannot provide jobs, better health care, good education programs, youth empowerment, and better ethical standards in government, citizens should use the ballot to retort in the term.
