By Langston Joe Wilson, LINA Maryland County Correspondent
HARPER, June 24 (LINA) – The Political Leader of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia (EFFL), Emmanuel Gonguoi, has criticized officials and supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) for attacking the Unity Party-led government over the ongoing US$19 million drug case.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Gonguoi argued that the CDC lacks the moral authority to present itself as a credible voice in the national debate on drug trafficking and enforcement.
According to him, during the CDC’s tenure in government, serious allegations surfaced regarding the use of party facilities and structures in activities allegedly linked to the distribution and proliferation of illicit substances.
“It is both ironic and troubling to see the CDC attempting to lecture the nation on a matter in which its own record remains highly questionable,” Gonguoi stated.
He stressed that while criticism of the government’s handling of the reported US$19 million drug case is justified, political actors must remain honest about the broader realities surrounding Liberia’s fight against narcotics.
“As we continue to criticize the government’s security apparatus for what appears to be a reckless and inadequate handling of the reported US$19 million drug case, it is equally important to be honest about the political realities surrounding the fight against drugs in Liberia,” he noted.
Gonguoi maintained that a political institution that failed to effectively confront the drug menace while in power cannot now position itself as the champion of the anti-drug struggle.
“The Liberian people have not forgotten the circumstances under which the drug epidemic expanded and took deeper roots in our society,” he asserted.
He emphasized that EFFL’s commitment to combating drug abuse is not motivated by political expediency or partisan considerations, but by a determination to protect Liberia’s younger generation from what he described as a growing national crisis.
“Our determination to confront this dangerous scourge is not driven by political expediency or partisan considerations; rather, it is motivated by a clear and unwavering commitment to protect Liberia’s younger generation from a crisis that is destroying lives, families, and communities across the country,” Gonguoi said.
The EFFL leader further described drug abuse as a national emergency that threatens the country’s future workforce, weakens the social fabric, fuels crime, and undermines national development.
He stressed that every responsible political actor must approach the issue with sincerity, honesty, and a genuine commitment to finding lasting solutions.
While insisting that the current government must be held accountable for any shortcomings in its handling of the case, Gonguoi urged the CDC to exercise restraint and humility when commenting on matters related to drug enforcement and policy.
“The fight against drugs requires serious leadership, not political opportunism,” he said.
Gonguoi also argued that growing public dissatisfaction with the Unity Party administration does not automatically make the CDC a viable alternative.
“Liberians are looking for credible leadership, accountability, competence, and a new vision for the future—not a return to past failures,” he indicated.
He concluded that Liberians deserve better and should aspire to build a nation free from the grip of drugs, corruption, and political hypocrisy.