Lawmaker Cole Describes Arrest And Jailing Of Ex-VP Jewel Taylor As “Selective Justice And Politically Motivated”
PHOTO: (L-R) Rep. Josiah Marvin Cole and Information Min, Jerolinmek Piah
By Our Reporter
MONROVIA, Liberia–Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has criticized Bong County District #3 Representative, Josiah Melvin Cole for what he described as “reckless and irresponsible comments” concerning an ongoing investigation involving former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
Rep. Cole last week told a group of Bong County citizens that the Boakai government was pursuing selective justice and the arrest and detention of former Vice President Howard-Taylor and one-time Bong County Senator was “politically motivated”, alleging it was an attack on the Kpelle people.
Speaking today, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at the Information Ministry’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Minister Piah said public officials have a responsibility to exercise restraint and avoid statements that could create unnecessary tension or misrepresent ongoing legal proceedings.
Minister Piah took particular exception to Representative Cole’s reported comparison of the investigation to events in another country, arguing that such remarks could unfairly portray the proceedings as an attack on an entire county or its people.
According to the Information Minister, legal proceedings involving individuals accused of wrongdoing should be allowed to take their course without being interpreted as an attack on a particular ethnic group, county, tribe, or community.
Piah recalled Liberia’s history of conflict, during which innocent people lost their lives, and warned public officials against making statements that could fuel division or contribute to instability.
He emphasized that individuals facing legal proceedings are dealt with based on allegations and circumstances specific to their cases, rather than their county, tribe, nationality, or political affiliation.
The minister maintained that the ongoing legal process should therefore not be characterized as an attack on the people of Bong County or any other community.
Information Minister Piah urged Representative Cole and other public officials to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference and to refrain from making statements that could inflame public sentiment or heighten tensions.