By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Capitol Hill, Monrovia: In a patriotic, yet powerfully charged expression, the government of Liberia has unequivocally condemned recent threats of political chaos made by former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor. The remarks, delivered during a public forum, highlighted the deep scars left by Liberia’s brutal civil conflict and warned against any attempts to return the nation to violence and instability.
During the regular Tuesday Press briefing of the Ministry of information, government spokesperson, Jerolinmek Piah, criticized the former Vice President for suggesting that disorder might erupt following a court ruling. “She vowed chaos, claiming that chaos is what the government wants,” he stated. “But Liberians know what chaos really is—we lived through it.”
Over the weekend, the former Vice President and other opposition figures were seem engaging in party activities wherein threats of chaos and instability were there only options being spoken as means of domonstrating what is believed as “protest” over the action towards the Supreme court ruling.
“I feel the empathy of Jewel Howard-Taylor, who has lived on government for over thirty years, ranging from former first lady to deputy CBL governor later became Senator of Bong county followed by her subsequent rise to the Country’s second highest seat as Vice President of the land to be more interested in chaos when she is physically challenged, a lady does not walk ably is alarming the belt of chaos as a way of reclaiming power or what she terms as calling government to order” Piah stated
Drawing on vivid personal and national memories of the civil war, the official recounted the harrowing impact of past conflict, including the destruction of national infrastructure, the collapse of education, and the death of over 250,000 citizens. He described the war’s lasting legacy, from displaced youth and damaged institutions to Liberia’s exported conflicts in Sierra Leone and Guinea.
Information Minister, Piah, accused the former Vice President of hypocrisy and complicity, referencing her marriage to Charles Taylor, the convicted warlord and former president. “She thrived during the war,” he asserted, citing her rise through various high-level government roles. “She cannot pretend to be separate from the consequences of the conflict.”
Notwithstanding, Piah also disagreed with some members of the self style”minority bloc/rule of law caucus” for inciting unrest following democratic processes. Piah lambasted the violent actions of Koffa’s supporters who stormed government offices, broke official images after the court ruling, asserting, “That’s not the rule of law, that’s banditry.”
With passionate appeals to Liberia’s populace, Piah urged citizens not to fall prey to political manipulation. “No politician should mislead you into supporting chaos,” he said. “You will be the ultimate victims.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding peace, security, and democratic governance. “There is a government in charge whose duty is to protect lives and property. We will not allow those beating the drums of war to have their way.”
The speech concluded with a call for trust in the electoral and judicial systems. “Liberians have survived war, and we will not be dragged back. The only path to state power is through the ballot box—not through violence, not through threats.”
The statement marks a strong stance from the administration, signaling that it will firmly resist any attempt of violence that has the ability to cause the resurgence of civil conflict. As Liberia continues its fragile journey toward lasting peace, the official’s message served as both a warning and a reassurance: that the horrors of the past must never return, and that the future must be forged through democratic means.
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