NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Liberian Senate has launched a formal investigation into allegations of widespread bribery and the proliferation of security checkpoints across the country, following growing public complaints.
The decision was announced after Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrenceinstructed theSenate Committee on Defense and Security to probe the matter.
The action followed concerns raised by Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely during a recent plenary session.
Senator Nimely warned that the unchecked establishment of security checkpoints has created unnecessary barriers to free movement, noting that many checkpoints appear to serve no clear security purpose.
By: Sampson W. Weah sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
He further alleged that some joint security personnel deployed at these locations are involved in the harassment and extortion of motorists and travelers.
Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence said the Senate’s intervention is intended to address a longstanding national concern that has drawn widespread public criticism.
She noted that the situation is believed to be infringing on citizens’ constitutional right to freely move across the country without intimidation or undue interference.
As part of its mandate, the Defense and Security Committee has been tasked to conduct a speedy and comprehensive investigation into the allegations and present its findings and recommendations to the Senate plenary within one week.
Senate leadership says the probe aims to restore public confidence in the country’s security apparatus by curbing checkpoint abuses, promoting accountability, and ensuring that law enforcement operations comply with the rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights.
