By Bill W. Cooper
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Major General Prince C. Johnson, III has stressed the need for a systematic drug test for all government officials both elected and appointed.
In a short write-up issued to the host of the OK Morning Rush, Clarence Jackson, the AFL Chief of Staff mentioned that individuals, who are tested positive for drugs, should not be allowed to contest or be appointed to public positions.
General Johnson believes that if, as a requirement, both elected and appointed individuals are tested for narcotics substance, that will help minimize and or eradicate the proliferation of the most-talked about dangerous drug called Kush and other harmful drugs across Liberia.
According to him, the latest recommendation should be one of the requirements set forth for appointing officials in government as well as those wanting to occupy position either at the Liberian Presidency or the Legislature.
General Johnson added that the recommendation, when accepted, will also serve as the beginning of efforts to reduce the illegal flow of narcotic drugs and other substances from neighboring countries into the Liberia.
The Army boss’ recommendation comes days after several women staged a peaceful protest before the Foreign Affairs Ministry calling on the government through the office of the President to ensure the eradication of drugs in the country.
The aggrieved women lamented that many of their relatives including their children are falling to the narcotic substances especially the newly introduced ‘Kush’ that is believed to be more powerful and harmful.
The Kush, according to the women, is a very harmful drug this now being imported into the country by foreigners mainly the Nigerians, and have now led to the deaths of several youth particularly in Caldwell, New Georgia, West point, New Kru Town and other parts of Montserrado County.
The women maintained, “Kush is bad because once consumed, it makes you feel like you are in the next world and miserable at the same time. And if you don’t have a good resistance, it can easily kill you.”
“So, the government really needs to do something about this drugs business especially the Kush because it is not correct. The Nigeria people need to stop bringing it in our country because it really killing our children on a daily basis,” Mary T. Nelson said, on behalf of the group.
She said further that Kush is being sold by drug users to the youth in Central Monrovia mainly around the Center, Gurley, Buchanan, Carey, Merclin and Front Streets as well as around the UN Drive area up towards Mama point.
Meanwhile, the women also called on the Liberian leader to affix his signature to the recently signed Drug Law from the Legislature to make the offense non-bailable or bailable depending on the nature of the crime.
It can be recalled that the Liberian Senate on Thursday, November 10, 2022 concurred with the House of Representatives to pass into law the “Controlled Drug and Substances Act of 2014.”
The Bill which is now before the President awaiting his signature and when printed and published into handbills, it will ensure that those who are caught in the importation, distribution and mass production of illicit drugs shall not be granted the right to bail, while the end users shall have the right to bail.
