Counselor Tiawan Gongloe has called for an inclusive investigation into mysterious deaths in Liberia, echoing President Joseph Boakai’s initiative. He emphasized that the inquiry should also cover unresolved cases from previous administrations, warning against a political bias. Key cases, including those of Princes Cooper and Harry Greaves, highlight the need for thorough scrutiny to provide justice and closure to affected families.
Counselor Tiawan Gongloe, a leading opposition figure, addressed President Joseph Boakai’s recent call for a comprehensive investigation into mysterious deaths in Liberia, which have persisted over the past decade. At a Cabinet meeting, President Boakai emphasized the necessity for full inquiry into unresolved cases, including those involving missing boys and deceased auditors. He insisted, “The Liberian people deserve answers,” assuring that no case would be overlooked, and justice would prevail.
President Boakai has directed law enforcement agencies to hasten their investigations and to collaborate with international entities if needed. He has also called for the issuance of regular public updates to keep citizens informed about the progress of these inquiries. Counselor Gongloe commended the President’s initiative but stressed that the investigation must be inclusive, extending beyond the current administration’s tenure.
During a press conference in Monrovia, Gongloe urged that the probe must also consider past unresolved deaths from former administrations, notably citing incidents during Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s presidency. He warned, “This may be seen as a political witch-hunt and could undermine the credibility and good intent of President Boakai,” if the focus remained solely on recent events. Gongloe pointed to cases such as those of Princes Cooper, Counselor Michael Allison, and Harry Greaves, highlighting their unexplained deaths that merit further examination.
Emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation, Gongloe remarked, “I strongly believe that Boakai should amend his instruction to include those mysterious deaths that happened under the Johnson-Sirleaf administration.” He mentioned the mysterious death of Princes Cooper, where he served as the legal representative, advocating for clarity surrounding these tragedies.
In 2015, Counselor Michael Allison, a prominent lawyer and whistleblower, was discovered dead on a Monrovia beach after playing a significant role in a sensitive investigation. Concerns of foul play arose after Allison had expressed fears for his safety. Subsequently, in January 2016, Harry Greaves, the former managing director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company, was found dead under controversial circumstances, determined as drowning by a U.S. pathologist. However, the public continues to demand clarification on the nature of Greaves’ death.
At that time, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, then Minister of Information, indicated that the government sought U.S. assistance for the inquiry, emphasizing their desire to understand the circumstances surrounding Greaves’ death. His statements reflected the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth behind this troubling situation.
In conclusion, the call for a comprehensive and inclusive investigation into mysterious deaths in Liberia reflects the necessity for transparency and accountability in governance. Counselor Tiawan Gongloe has urged that such an investigation encompass cases from previous administrations, underscoring the importance of addressing public concerns regarding unresolved tragic incidents. The commitment shown by President Boakai to pursue justice and provide answers underscores the critical need for a thorough examination of past and present cases of unexplained deaths.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
