People’s Party Standard Bearer Joseph K. Bannie has warned President Joseph Nyuma Boakai against what he describes as the “impulsive” use of the justice system to hold officials of the previous administration accountable.
Bannie said the government has a responsibility to investigate corruption and other alleged wrongdoing, but insisted that every investigation and prosecution must follow the Constitution, due process, and established legal procedures.
He cautioned that using state institutions to settle political scores could weaken public confidence in Liberia’s democratic institutions. “Yes, this government is doing great to hold the past government accountable, but it must not be impulsive. Let it be through due process of law. The law is not for personal pleasure,” Bannie declared.
His comments come amid growing political debate over the Boakai administration’s accountability efforts. Bannie argued that allegations must be tested through evidence, professional investigations and judicial determination, not political pressure or public sentiment. Referencing legal battles involving U.S. President Donald Trump, he warned that aggressive action against political figures can sometimes generate sympathy and deepen political divisions.
The TPP leader also criticized what he described as President Boakai’s dismissal of a Liberian judge for allegedly performing his judicial duties. He said judges must be protected from political interference and allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear of retaliation.
He warned that today’s actions could become tomorrow’s precedent, reminding political leaders that administrations change and those in power can eventually find themselves outside government. “The hunter might become the hunted if not being careful with the law,” he cautioned.
Despite his criticism, Bannie acknowledged that credible allegations against former government officials should be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted. He urged the Boakai administration to ensure that such proceedings are transparent, professionally conducted and free from political interference.
For Bannie, the Administration’s credibility will depend not only on whom it investigates, but also on how those investigations are conducted. He called on President Boakai to protect judicial independence, respect established state institutions and ensure that Liberia’s justice system is guided by evidence, fairness and due process.
