Former President Weah Calls Charges Against Ex-VP Howard-Taylor “Bogus”

Former President George Manneh Weah has broken his silence on the case involving his former vice president, Jewel Howard-Taylor, accusing the government of "tampering with justice" and warning that Liberians must stand together to protect democracy and the rule of law. Weah made the comments Wednesday evening at his Rehab residence in Monrovia shortly after returning to Liberia, where thousands of supporters gathered earlier in the day to welcome him home. Responding to questions about the charges against Howard-Taylor, Weah said the situation was unacceptable and expressed concern over what he described as growing interference with the country's justice system. "I think the rule of law is being tampered with," Weah said. "I believe that what is going on with the former VP, the government, they're all bogus and it's unacceptable." Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines The former president said Liberia cannot afford actions that undermine justice, particularly given the country's history of civil wars and political instability. "Tampering with justice is wrong," he said, calling on Liberians to protect democratic institutions and ensure that the justice system operates fairly. Weah also appeared to question developments within the prosecution of the case, suggesting that concerns had emerged even from within the justice system. "You continue to hear what's going on even in their own system," he said, adding that such developments raise questions about the credibility of the proceedings. The former president did not provide specific evidence to support his allegations but insisted that the government must ensure fairness and impartiality in handling the case. Weah's remarks represent his strongest public intervention so far on the legal troubles facing Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president during his administration from 2018 to 2024. He said Liberia must reject what he called "selective justice" and instead uphold the law equally for everyone. "Unselected justice, like we don't need that," Weah said. "We need to be honest with the law." Drawing on an analogy involving Lady Justice, Weah said justice must remain blind to personal relationships and political considerations. "If you see our little justice, she's got a scar. She doesn't see her son or sister or brother. All she sees is justice," he said. Weah said Liberia's painful history should serve as a warning against political actions that could deepen divisions in the country. "This is a country that's been through wars and chaos," he said. "We need to stop it. We need to believe in peace." The former president also used his return to Liberia to renew his call for opposition political leaders to come together for a roundtable discussion aimed at finding a way forward for the country. Weah said opposition parties are stakeholders in Liberia's democracy and have a responsibility to listen to one another and develop common approaches to the challenges facing the nation. "We're all stakeholders. It's the voice of the people, the opposition," he said. "We need to listen to each other and find a way to move forward." He said the proposed meeting is intended to provide an opportunity for opposition leaders to sit together, discuss national issues and explore ways of strengthening Liberia's democratic system. "Our country is in shock," Weah said. "We have to make sure that we find a way that democracy can be built." The former president also addressed the massive turnout that greeted his return, saying he was not surprised by the number of supporters who came to welcome him. "I know how much Liberians love me," Weah said, expressing appreciation to supporters who gathered at the airport and along his route. He rejected any suggestion that he should be prevented from returning to Liberia, emphasizing that the country remains his home. "How can you stop or judge where citizens of this country are coming back to their home country?" he asked. "It's not possible