MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Minister of Information, Jerolinmek Piah, has called on officials of government to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid statements that could threaten Liberia’s peace and stability.

Minister Piah said:” Public officials have a responsibility to work and ensure that the country remains peaceful and that citizens can work without fear”.

He cautioned officials against tribalism, regionalism, sectionalism, and statements that could incite violence.

The Information Minister stressed that reckless comments from public figures could have serious consequences for the country.

His comments followed statements allegedly made by Bong County Lawmaker, Marvin Cole concerning the ongoing legal case involving former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.

Minister Piah urged public officials to exercise restraint when commenting on sensitive national issues, particularly matters before the courts.

He also rejected claims that the ongoing legal proceedings involving former Vice President Howard-Taylor constitute an attack on the Kpelle people, stressing that the Vice President is undergoing a legal process as an individual and that the case should not be interpreted as targeting her county or tribe.

The minister criticized comments attributed to Representative Marvin Cole, who he said had suggested that Howard-Taylor’s prosecution was connected to her as a Kpelle woman from Bong County.

Minister Piah argued that individuals have faced legal proceedings without their cases being interpreted as attacks on their counties or ethnic groups.

Minister Piah then urged Liberians, particularly public officials, to allow the judicial process to proceed without attaching tribal or county identities, noting that such interpretations could unnecessarily create tension and division in the country.