By Festus Poquie
Kept Away from his country for approximately 120 Days, former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah narrates the mixed emotions and internal conflict he encountered while facing charges from Liberian authorities on foreign soil and the daring spirit that ultimately culminated in what he sees as the triumph of the country’s judicial system.
Hocked by prosecutors on charges related to national security spending on July 28, Tweah now in Monrovia to face his accusers, explains life under indictment in exile and justice in fragile democracy.
“Several persons advised against my coming, arguing that the intention of the Unity Party-Government was to merely have me paraded unjustly in handcuffs as some “posterboy’ for its already doomed ‘fight against corruption.,’ he recounted
“As fearless as I am and knowing I am innocent of the bogus charges, I took in all the advice but countered that there was no way or no chance that I would not return to Liberia, even at the cost of my unjust and politically-motivated imprisonment.
“Who and what would I be if I fled from my country? I had left Liberia since January 23, 2024 and was in no way a fugitive from justice. After the politically manipulated indictment I had to ensure I return under the correct legal circumstances !”
“There were those who argued that it is within a judge’s rights to deny even a bond worth a billion United States dollars, to which I gladly responded “then that would be my fate and I must prepare to face and accept it.”
Tweah’s unwavering stance paid off when a judge ruled that he was entitled to bail under Liberian laws and the constitution, granting him the protection of the court as a free citizen. On Wednesday, an $8 million bond was posted in open court.
“As the judge dictated his ruling, tears welled in my eyes,” Tweah wrote.
“I knew I could somewhat trust our judiciary system: I didn’t know it was going to be this overwhelming!”
The former Finance Minister expressed profound gratitude to the thousands who have been praying for him and showing their support, including his wife and her “legions of pastors, to family, friends, partisans, colleagues, supporters and well-wishers.”
“To those who have been dying just to see me unjustly in handcuffs let me say to you you do not know, neither do you understand the democratic Liberia we now live in.”
