A former Land Administrator, Anthony Cole, has strongly warned Liberians against mob justice and other illegal practices, stressing that adherence to the rule of law is essential for peace, development, and national stability.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Cole praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and key justice and security institutions for their role in promoting lawfulness across the country.
"I really admire the President of this country for his role when it comes to development," Cole,a former administrator of the William Zinnah Estate, said. "President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is pushing Liberia to a point where we can compare ourselves with countries that are making real development progress."
Cole also commended the Judiciary, the Liberia National Police, and the Anti-Robbery Unit for what he described as a significant reduction in armed robbery nationwide.
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"At first, armed robbery was the order of the day in this country," he noted. "But today, it has gone down to a very low rate because of the support of the Minister of Justice, the Director of the Liberia National Police, Gregory O. Coleman, and the Anti-Robbery Unit. I have not heard about armed robbery again."
While praising these gains, Cole called for more decisive action against arson, describing it as a recurring and dangerous crime that threatens public safety.
"The issue of arson must be taken seriously," he urged. "The police and Anti-Robbery Unit should go after arsonists so that Liberia can be a better place for all of us."
Addressing persistent land disputes, Cole cautioned citizens and investors--especially those in the diaspora--to exercise due diligence when acquiring property.
"Know your renters and verify your land," he said. "We have a lot of land criminals in this country who have no deeds or title documents but still convey land to others. People must go to the Liberia Land Authority before buying any property."
He strongly condemned mob justice, intimidation, and violence associated with land conflicts, emphasizing that such actions undermine Liberia's democracy and the integrity of its justice system.
"Anything that is not done legally is never done at all," Cole stated. "The court is not a place to be afraid of. Go to the police. File a complaint. Go to court. Justice is never bought."
Cole clarified that his remarks are independent and not influenced by the government, stressing that his praise is based solely on performance and commitment to the law.
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"I don't need the government to help me in court," he said. "Where the truth lies, I put it there. I believe in the rule of law, and that is why I am applauding officials who are protecting the lives and rights of citizens."
On governance, Cole described government as a continuous process in which each administration builds on the work of its predecessor.
"Government is continuity," he said. "Where one government stops, the next continues. If the people feel President Boakai is doing well, they will re-elect him."
He concluded with a strong appeal for national unity, lawfulness, and patriotism.
"Liberia is a democratic country," Cole said. "We should stop threatening one another, stop criminal behavior, and seek justice only through the police and the courts. This country is a country of law, and we must live by it if we want peace and development."
