NATIONL NEWS
MONROVIA – Nimba County District #7 Representative and Political Leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Musa Hassan Bility, has issued an emotional open letter to President Joseph Boakai, calling for urgent and decisive action to combat what he described as Liberia’s worsening drug crisis.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
In the strongly worded letter, Bility revealed that his own son is currently incarcerated after being caught in possession of illegal drugs, a personal tragedy he says reflects a much broader national emergency affecting thousands of Liberian families.
The lawmaker said while his son must face the consequences of his actions, the experience has compelled him to speak out about the growing impact of narcotics on Liberia’s youth and communities.
“My son is in jail today because he was caught in possession of drugs. He is facing the consequences of his actions,” Bility wrote. “As painful as it is for me, I accept that. Perhaps this difficult experience will give him the chance to think deeply, to recover himself, and to take another shot at life.”
Bility said the situation extends far beyond his family, arguing that countless young Liberians have fallen victim to substance abuse and drug-related activities. According to him, many are imprisoned, homeless, mentally affected, or struggling in silence while their families endure immense hardship.
“Across Liberia, thousands of our children have lost their way because of drugs,” he stated. “Some are in prison. Some are on the streets. Some are in homes where their families are quietly suffering.”
The Nimba lawmaker recounted how he had invested heavily in his son’s future, sending him abroad to pursue his education before returning to Liberia. However, he said drug abuse ultimately derailed his son’s life despite those opportunities.
Bility suggested that while individuals must be held accountable for their choices, greater attention should be focused on those responsible for bringing illegal drugs into the country and distributing them.
He expressed concern that individuals in positions of authority may be using their influence to shield drug trafficking and distribution networks from scrutiny, although he did not name specific officials.
Addressing President Boakai directly, Bility said he does not believe the Liberian leader would knowingly support the spread of narcotics. However, he argued that the President bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring that government officials do not abuse delegated authority.
“Authority has been delegated in your government,” Bility wrote. “And where that authority is abused, where people in high places allegedly use their positions to protect drug importation, drug trafficking, and drug peddling, the responsibility cannot be ignored.”
The lawmaker described drug abuse as no longer merely a law enforcement challenge but a national emergency that threatens families, communities, and the country’s future.
“This is no longer just a law enforcement issue. It is a national emergency,” he stated. “It is destroying families. It is weakening communities. It is endangering the future of the Liberian state.”
Bility acknowledged that some critics may question his decision to speak publicly because his own son has been affected by drugs. However, he argued that his personal experience gives him a unique responsibility to advocate for action on behalf of other parents facing similar struggles.
“I am speaking as a father. I am speaking for my son. I am speaking for the thousands of Liberian children whose lives have been damaged by drugs,” he wrote.
Calling for bipartisan attention to the issue, Bility emphasized that the fight against drugs should transcend political differences. He urged the President to launch what he described as a serious, independent, and fearless investigation into allegations of drug trafficking and official protection of criminal networks.
The lawmaker appealed to the President not to allow personal relationships, political influence, or official positions to shield anyone found culpable.
“Do not allow position, friendship, power, or influence to protect anyone involved in destroying our children,” Bility said. “Let those responsible be exposed and prosecuted, no matter who they are.”
He further warned that history would judge the government’s response to the crisis and suggested that the issue could become a defining challenge of the Boakai administration.
“If your government fails to act decisively on this issue, history will remember it,” he wrote. “This crisis will define your administration today, tomorrow, and in the years to come.”
The open letter comes amid growing public concern over drug abuse and trafficking in Liberia, particularly among young people. Recent years have seen increased calls from community leaders, civil society organizations, and public officials for stronger measures to curb the influx of illicit substances and provide rehabilitation opportunities for affected individuals.
Concluding his appeal, Bility called on President Boakai to demonstrate courage and leadership in confronting the crisis.
“For the sake of my son, for the sake of the thousands of Liberian children already destroyed by drugs, and for the sake of those who may still be saved, I appeal to you: Be bold. Be courageous. Save our children. Save our country.”
The Executive Mansion has not yet publicly responded to Bility’s open letter.
