MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Political Leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Hon. Alexander Cummings, has called on the Liberian government to ensure speedy, independent, and non-selective justice in the ongoing narcotics-related investigation involving former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and other individuals.
Cummings made the remarks Sunday after visiting Taylor at the Monrovia Central Prison, where she is currently being held in connection with the ongoing drug-related case.
Cummings stressed that every individual accused in the case should be presumed innocent until proven guilty, while urging authorities to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
He, however, criticized what he described as selective justice in the handling of the narcotics investigation, arguing that justice should be applied equally to everyone implicated in the case.
According to Cummings, the narcotics situation poses a serious threat to Liberia, warning that the country appears to be moving toward becoming a “narco-state” under the current administration.
He called for the arrest and prosecution of current government officials if evidence establishes their involvement, while demanding an independent investigation into the matter.
Cummings also referenced previous statements by the Inspector General of Police that “big shots” and “big heads” within government were allegedly implicated in the drug case. He questioned why those individuals have not been publicly identified or subjected to the same legal process.
“We want to know who they are because otherwise the process seems unjust. It seems selective. It doesn’t seem fair, and we just want a fair process,” he said.
Regarding his private conversation with Taylor, Cummings declined to disclose details, saying the discussion was between the two of them. He acknowledged that Taylor feels aggrieved and maintains that authorities do not have sufficient evidence against her.
Cummings further disclosed that he had followed through on an earlier commitment to engage international partners regarding the investigation, although he declined to elaborate on whether his intervention influenced any subsequent developments.
The ANC political leader said he intends to continue putting pressure on the government to address issues of justice, corruption, and the narcotics crisis.
He also said his party had written the government concerning the construction of a foyer in Lofa County but had yet to receive a response, promising that the issue would be raised again.
On his personal relationship with Taylor, Cummings described it as “cordial and respectful,” while stressing that he would not categorically defend anyone without seeing the facts.
He said he would be surprised and shocked if the woman he knows were involved in the allegations against her, but emphasized that the evidence should ultimately determine the outcome.
Cummings concluded by calling for authorities to move quickly and present whatever evidence they have, stressing that anyone implicated in the case including those currently incarcerated deserves a speedy trial and justice based on the evidence.