Othello Sarweh Nimely
MONROVIA–The political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Alexander Cummings, is calling on the Liberian government to ensure speedy and impartial justice in the case involving former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor.
Cummings said justice must not be delayed or selectively applied, stressing that the government should treat the matter involving the former vice president with urgency while ensuring due process is followed.
Cummings made the statement on Sunday when he visited the Monrovia Central Prison in what he described as an “empathy visit” to the former vice president, who has been behind bars for more than a week.
Former Vice President Taylor is currently being held at the Monrovia Central Prison in connection with several alleged criminal drug charges to include: conspiracy, facilitation, solicitation, and money laundering.
Prosecutors reportedly say their case is supported by evidence such as travel records, audio recordings, witness testimony, and alleged financial transactions.
Speaking to journalists following the visit, the ANC political leader raised concerns about what he described as selective justice in Liberia’s fight against drugs.
According to Cummings, authorities must go beyond the current case and ensure that all individuals connected to alleged drug trafficking activities are investigated and, where evidence exists, held accountable.
He referenced previous statements attributed to the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police that so-called “big sharks” are involved in the country’s drug trade.
“I want to see more individuals arrested and investigated,” Cummings said, calling for an independent investigation into drug-related activities in the country.
The ANC leader further warned that Liberia risks becoming what he described as a “narco-state” if decisive and impartial action is not taken against drug trafficking and other organized crimes.
Cummings said he would continue to remind the government of what he considers its shortcomings and hold authorities accountable.
Meanwhile, he called on the government to respond to a communication he previously submitted concerning a project currently being constructed in Lofa County.
Regarding former Vice President Taylor, Cummings said he does not personally know her as someone capable of being involved in drug trafficking.
“I do not know former Vice President Taylor to be a bad person, and I do not think she could be involved in drug trafficking,” he told journalists, while emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent legal process.
Cummings said he and members of his delegation encouraged the former vice president during their visit and urged her to remain strong and focus on her treatment.
The case involving the former vice president continues to attract public attention, with Cummings now joining calls for authorities to ensure that justice is administered fairly, independently, and without political influence.
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