Liberia has reached a crucial and critical epoch in her social and economic life that requires modernization and transformative method if it is to become suitable and defined partner in the civilized world- the world that is now a global village.
During its decade and half war situation, Liberia was turned a dumpsite that is naturally impelled to host dirt and other categories of filths that are unpleasant and at most time unsanitary.
In other words it was at which time it was constrained against its own will to painfully swarm sins and criminalities that turned normalcy the other way around. Of course, those who lived the war and its mongers will agree that the trigger of the sadistic situation basically owed to drug abuse that dominantly led to wanton destruction of lives and properties.
The abuse of drug obviously leads to the misuse of the supreme law of any land and the abuse of any law is tantamount to putting instability into motion to the disadvantage of innocent lives. The fact of the matter is that a drug infested land sees no sanity and peace since lawlessness and violence noticeably become the uncomfortable shelter of the state.
From obvious experience, given the abuse of drug in the society, Liberia can suitably be described as a risky zone. In Monrovia and perhaps several parts of the country there is multiplicity of ghettos where marijuana is sold. My understanding is that other sophisticated drugs including cocaine are being traded here in Liberia by foreign nationals and their Liberian counterparts. They are done under the cover of darkness as well as broad day light which suggest that the law of the land is being subjected to the whim and caprices of a few individuals.
Crimes grow and develop against the interest of the generality of the people when the law becomes feeble and toothless. Crimes become a tradition when the law remains stagnated. On the other hand when the law is made the ruler of the gavels those who handle statecraft usually walk in chalk line and guided by the rule of law and the spirit of nationalism. Developed and developing countries around the world had tested the strength of the law and realized that it is the source of stability and sanity.
In the absence of the law hell becomes the portion of the people. Hell here could be equated to growth without tangible development; perpetual state of poverty; greed and selfishness including squandering of national wealth by a few and above all the existence of the climate of ignorance, etc.
Hell can also be equated to the lack of vision to manage state fund and maximize satisfaction for the general good of the citizenry. Hell creates civil disobedience and compels a given people to go the opposite direction in life. Any nation that leads the opposite direction risks destruction at all levels of national life. All these are possible in the face of lawlessness. And lawlessness is the result of a loose society that does not live within the confines of the law. There is heaven and stability within the confines of the law. Heaven is the result of raising a strong law over and above all other things regardless of status.
I wish to see a graduated Liberia where a strong drug law would be put into motion like an intimidating hunting dog against the running deer. A strong drug law would bring Liberia to the days of the 50’s and 60’s when the law was made drastic against anything that ran contrary to the norm of society. During those days the law was uncompromising and firm so that instead of the innocent people running away from the criminals, the criminals ran away from the law. The law at the time respected the tradition of our forefathers. Stealing was prohibited as Judgment Day for rogues was instant. But now stealing is usually done in the presence of law enforcement officers mostly at the Redlight, Waterside, Broad Street and other places where the criminals are comfortably positioned.
During their confirmation hearing recently in Monrovia the officials of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) told the Senate Judicial committee that Liberia stands at risk and would remain so if nothing is done to curtail the growing drug abuse in the country. They said the abuse of drug should be a non-bailable offense. Mr. Anthony Souh, director-designate and his principal deputies, Asatu Bah Kenneth and Albert Chelly appeared to be up to the task given their presentation. Thus they need not only the desired confirmation by the Senate but the needed empowerment both financially and logistically to place them in the able position to do the work in line with expectation.
The Liberian people are hoping that the international community including USAID and other interested partners would help give birth to the new DEA. The drug Enforcement Agency should be made strong in all respects because drug dealers usually have their accomplices within top security circle as well as people in high places in society. The Liberian people are hoping to see the day when the DEA, like the hostile hunting dog, would not only chase the animal but would succeed grabbing it. In other words if the DEA is perform uncompromisingly the law that placed it there should arm it with the required spear and amour to do the work. The fact is that the fight against drug means a fight against people of prominence. Thus those tasked with the responsibility requires al that they deserve to do the job effectively and efficiently.
