Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has rejected reports that government has a secret plan to arrest former President George Weah upon his return to the country.
Piah described the rumors (reports) as “unfounded.”
His comment comes as anticipation builds over Weah’s expected return to Liberia on Wednesday, September 2, with his supporters and those of the erstwhile Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) preparing to welcome him.
The reports of a possible arrest have sparked concern among opposition supporters, and generated renewed political discussions, particularly following the detention of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor in connection to the ongoing cocaine investigation.
Piah dismissed the claims recently when he maintained that there is “no plan to arrest the former president upon his arrival.”
He described the claims as “baseless.” He urged Liberians to exercise caution when consuming, or sharing information circulating on social media, and other platforms.
Weah remains a major political figure, and continues to command significant support within the CDC, and among his political followers.
His scheduled return comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity, with opposition groups raising concerns over recent developments involving prominent members, and associates of the CDC being drawn into the drug saga.
The detention of Jewel Howard-Taylor has added to the concerns, with opposition supporters questioning government’s handling of political figures associated with the former ruling coalition.
However, government has rejected suggestions that Weah’s return is connected to any planned arrest, or other action against him.
Piah’s statement is expected to ease some of the concerns surrounding Weah’s scheduled arrival, although political attention remains focused on how his return will unfold.
