GoL Warns Liberians over Infrastructure Neglect-Piah Defends Officials on Drug Photos

MONROVIA – Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah pushed back Tuesday against two mounting pressures on the Boakai administration. He rejected attempts to link senior officials to the drug case through photographs taken at public events. He also warned that infrastructure damage is eroding Japan’s confidence in Liberia ahead of a major grant. The dual message reveals an administration managing optics and diplomatic credibility at once. Japan has expressed concern over the Somalia Drive corridor, which it financed as a grant, not a loan. A new Japanese grant for the 1.9-kilometer Gabriel Tucker Bridge to Freeport road is pending. Separately, 29 Liberians in South Africa have requested repatriation while more than 200 remain there, as THE ANALYST’s George C. Flomo reports.

Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah on Tuesday used the government’s regular press briefing to push back against allegations linking senior officials to the drug investigation through photographs. He also addressed growing Japanese concerns over the deteriorating condition of a road corridor Japan financed for Liberia.

Addressing the briefing at the Ministry of Information, Piah said the circulation of photographs showing drug suspects with senior government officials should not be misconstrued as evidence of criminal involvement. He argued that public officials routinely interact with thousands of citizens during official ceremonies, public events, and community engagements, making it unreasonable to suggest that appearing in a photograph with an individual later accused of a crime automatically establishes criminal complicity.

Photos not proof of crime

Piah noted that similar situations have arisen in other countries, including the United States, where elected officials have been photographed with individuals who were later prosecuted without any evidence linking the officials themselves to criminal conduct. The Minister accused some individuals of deliberately attempting to politicize the investigation and shift attention away from the criminal justice process through speculation and misinformation.

He stressed that Liberia’s security institutions, working alongside international law enforcement partners, remain focused on uncovering the full scope of the narcotics operation and bringing all those involved to justice.

Piah reiterated President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.’s commitment that no individual connected to the case would receive special treatment, regardless of political affiliation, social status, or personal relationship with government officials.

He recalled President Boakai’s earlier public declaration that even members of his own family would face the full weight of the law should credible evidence link them to the narcotics investigation.

According to Piah, the government’s collaboration with international investigative agencies makes it virtually impossible for anyone to interfere with or manipulate the probe. He therefore urged Liberians to allow investigators and prosecutors to complete their work professionally instead of fueling public speculation or tarnishing the reputations of individuals without credible evidence.

The Minister assured the public that those already charged will be prosecuted while investigations continue to identify and apprehend every other suspect connected to the case.

Japan raises Somalia Drive concerns

Turning to national development, Piah urged Liberians to play a more active role in protecting public infrastructure, warning that government alone cannot sustain development if citizens fail to safeguard roads, bridges, drainage systems, and other public facilities.

He said while citizens have every constitutional right to demand accountability from government, they also have a civic responsibility to protect public assets financed through taxpayers’ money and the support of Liberia’s development partners.

“Government does not exist in a vacuum,” Piah declared, emphasizing that vandalism and negligence ultimately undermine national development, waste scarce public resources, and discourage future international assistance.

He expressed particular concern over the deteriorating condition of the Japanese-funded Somalia Drive corridor, citing the indiscriminate dumping of garbage into drainage systems constructed as part of the project.

Piah reminded Liberians that the rehabilitation of Somalia Drive was financed through a grant from the Government of Japan, not a loan, describing it as a symbol of Japan’s goodwill toward Liberia.

According to MiCAT boss, the continued misuse of the drainage system not only threatens the lifespan of the road but also projects a negative image of Liberia to development partners. He disclosed that Japanese officials have already expressed concern over the poor maintenance of the project at a time when Liberia is preparing to benefit from another Japanese grant to rehabilitate the approximately 1.9-kilometer road linking the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Freeport of Monrovia.

He explained that because of Japan’s rigorous engineering standards, construction of the new corridor is expected to take more than two years to ensure long-term durability.

The Minister warned that failure to properly maintain completed projects could undermine the confidence of international partners whose taxpayers finance such investments.

Weak sanitation enforcement criticized

Piah also criticized what he described as weak enforcement of sanitation regulations by the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), urging city authorities and the City Police to strengthen efforts to prevent indiscriminate dumping and protect public infrastructure.

He said law enforcement should not be limited to regulating street vendors but should also target individuals who damage roads, drainage systems, and other public facilities. According to him, Liberia cannot sustain development or continue attracting donor support if laws designed to protect public property are not effectively enforced.

Government facilitates South Africa returns

Providing an update on Liberians residing in South Africa, Piah said the government remains committed to facilitating the voluntary return of citizens who have requested assistance because of security concerns.

He disclosed that 29 Liberians have formally expressed willingness to return home, while more than 200 Liberians continue to reside in South Africa. According to him, the first group is undergoing the required documentation and administrative procedures before travel arrangements can be finalized.

Although no attacks against Liberians have been reported since the expiration of the June 30 deadline previously referenced by South African authorities, Piah said many Liberians continue to feel unsafe, prompting the government to keep the voluntary repatriation initiative open.

Meanwhile, Piah announced the government’s condolences following the death of Madam Rowland, a Liberian national who succumbed to injuries sustained during a fire incident in India. He confirmed that with the assistance of the Government of India and the Indian Embassy, her remains were repatriated to Liberia over the weekend for burial.

Piah disclosed that her husband, a former lawmaker from Grand Kru County who was also injured in the incident, temporarily returned to Liberia to attend her funeral before resuming medical treatment in India.

On behalf of the Government of Liberia, Piah thanked the Government of India for its support and extended condolences to the bereaved family, including the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, to whom the deceased was related.