Isaac Jackson, former Liberia’s Permanent Maritime Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has formally called on the Office of the Ombudsman to immediately launch an independent investigation into allegations circulating in a widely shared viral video that claims President Joseph Boakai’s Senior Advisor, Joseph Boakai Jr., accepted US$2 million from individuals believed to be Colombian drug traffickers to facilitate the transportation of cocaine through Liberia.
Boakai Junior has denied all allegations.
In a letter addressed to Ombudsman Commissioners Cllr. Kpargoi and Cllr. Etmonia Martin, Jackson described the allegations as “extraordinarily grave” and argued that, if substantiated, they would constitute serious violations of Liberia’s Code of Conduct for Public Officials, undermine public confidence in government, threaten national security, and damage Liberia’s international reputation.
Jackson emphasized that no public official, regardless of political office or family relationship to the President, should be exempt from scrutiny or accountability.
He urged the Office of the Ombudsman to fulfill its statutory mandate by conducting a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation based solely on the evidence.
“The rule of law requires that credible allegations of official misconduct be investigated without fear, favor, or political consideration,” Jackson stated, adding that Liberia’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance depends on the integrity and independence of its oversight institutions.
Jackson expressed confidence that the Office of the Ombudsman would uphold its legal and ethical responsibilities by ensuring that the facts determine the outcome of the matter.
