Rep. Yorgbor Rejects Death Penalty Drugs

Montserrado County Electoral District number twelve Representative Jerry Kolubah Yorgbor has sharply rejected calls for Liberia to adopt the death penalty for drug traffickers, describing the proposal as “devilish and inhumane.”

Representative Yorgbor’s statement comes in the wake of Montserrado County District number seven Representative Prince Toles’ call for stiffer punishments, including capital punishment, for those involved in the illicit drug trade.

Toles had argued that extreme measures were necessary to deter the growing wave of narcotics trafficking and consumption in the country.

But in a strong rebuttal, Representative Yorgbor cautioned against what he termed “a shortcut solution” that fails to address Liberia’s systemic weaknesses in tackling the drug crisis.

“I will not sign onto any bill that leads to death penalty for drug trafficking. Let’s put more money in the national budget, our young people are dying,” he stressed.

The Montserrado lawmaker said Liberia’s drug enforcement architecture is grossly underfunded and unequipped to combat the scale of the problem.

He pointed to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Judiciary, and correctional facilities as institutions in dire need of support.

“The LDEA is not well equipped, the Judiciary is not equipped, and we need to do prison reform. If we don’t give resources to these sectors, the future of our young people is at stake,” Yorgbor asserted.

Instead of extreme punishment, the District number twelve Representative urged the legislature to prioritize rehabilitation and reintegration programs for drug users, noting that punitive approaches have historically failed in curbing the demand for narcotics.

Speaking further on Wednesday, Representative Yorgbor blasted his colleagues in the Legislature for “gross neglect of their oversight function.”

He accused the House of Representatives of putting self-interest above national interest, a situation he says is fueling corruption and eroding citizens’ trust in government.

According to him, the legislature has placed little importance on the well-being of ordinary citizens while prioritizing projects and policies that yield little tangible impact.

“Corruption remains a major factor that is impeding progress at the House of Representatives. Some lawmakers are bent on stalling Liberia’s growth, but I will continue to do what is right for the people,” he pledged.

Observers note that Representative Yorgbor’s comments come at a time when Liberia is experiencing a surge in drug abuse, particularly among the youth population.

Recent statistics from health and law enforcement authorities show that substance abuse is not only worsening crime rates but also contributing to mental health crises across the country.

Pundits believe that the ongoing debate exposes a deeper policy divide within the House of Representatives on how best to handle Liberia’s drug problem whether through punitive crackdowns or through social reforms and rehabilitation programs.

For many ordinary Liberians, the issue goes beyond punishment. Communities continue to grapple with rising addiction, family breakdown, and a lack of opportunities for at-risk youth.

As the debate intensifies, the spotlight is now firmly on the Legislature to strike a balance between enforcement and compassion.

Representative Yorgbor maintains that only a holistic approach rooted in funding, reform, and social investment will protect the future of Liberia’s younger generation.