MONROVIA – Former Liberia Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Atty. Isaac W. Jackson Jr., has called on the Office of the Ombudsman to launch an independent investigation into allegations contained in a widely circulated video involving a presidential advisor.
Jackson says the allegations, which have yet to be independently substantiated, are too serious to be ignored and require a transparent investigation by Liberia’s statutory oversight institutions.
In a letter addressed to Ombudsman Commissioners Cllr. Kpargoi and Cllr. Etmonia Martin, Jackson referenced claims circulating in the viral video that President Joseph Boakai’s Senior Advisor, Joseph Boakai Jr., allegedly received US$2 million from individuals believed to be Colombian drug traffickers to facilitate the transportation of cocaine through Liberia.
The former diplomat stressed that the allegations should not be treated as established facts, but argued that their seriousness warrants an official inquiry to determine what actually occurred.
Jackson described the claims as “extraordinarily grave,” warning that, if proven, such conduct could amount to serious violations of Liberia’s Code of Conduct for Public Officials, while also raising concerns about national security, public confidence in government and Liberia’s international reputation.
He therefore urged the Ombudsman to exercise its statutory authority and conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation based solely on credible evidence.
According to Jackson, the importance of an investigation extends beyond the individuals named in the allegations, touching on the broader principles of accountability and the rule of law in Liberia.
He maintained that no public official should be beyond scrutiny because of political position, personal influence or family relationship with the President.
“The rule of law requires that credible allegations of official misconduct be investigated without fear, favor, or political consideration,” Jackson stated.
The former maritime representative said Liberia’s commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance depends heavily on the ability of its oversight institutions to investigate allegations of wrongdoing independently and without political interference.
Jackson’s call comes amid heightened public concern over illicit drug trafficking and the need for stronger institutional measures to prevent Liberia from becoming a transit point for international narcotics networks.
He said the Ombudsman’s role in the matter should not be to prejudge anyone, but rather to establish the facts and allow the evidence to determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Jackson concluded by expressing confidence that the Ombudsman Commission would uphold its legal and ethical responsibilities and ensure that the matter is handled according to law.
The allegations referenced by Jackson remain unproven, and an investigation, if undertaken, would be expected to establish their credibility, determine whether any offenses occurred and identify any persons who may be responsible.
For now, the former diplomat is urging Liberia’s accountability institutions to let the investigative process—not political affiliation or public speculation—determine the truth.