By: Alphanso G. Kalama;

Congo Town, Monrovia – The National Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a strong statement calling on the Government of Liberia to urgently release all retirement benefits due to former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor. Describing the delay as “unjust and unacceptable,” the NPP said it stands in “unwavering solidarity” with Howard-Taylor in her demand for what the party calls her “rightful entitlements.”

In its statement, the party hailed Howard-Taylor’s years of national service, citing her contributions to peacebuilding, national development, and public welfare. “It is both unjust and unacceptable that she, after years of commendable service, faces obstacles in receiving what is rightfully hers,” the NPP said.

The party further emphasized that the issue is not merely bureaucratic but one of principle and justice, warning that failure to act erodes public trust and diminishes the dignity of public office.

“This is not merely a legal duty but a moral imperative,” the statement read. “The eyes of the nation are watching, and it is imperative that justice prevails.”

But prior to the party’s statement, the government response to the former Vice President’s claims, the Government of Liberia, through Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, issued a public clarification stating that Madam Howard-Taylor is already receiving her retirement benefits.

According to Minister Piah, the former Vice President is currently enrolled in two pension schemes—one through the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) and another under the Civil Service Agency’s (CSA) older non-contributory pension system. He stressed that these arrangements are consistent with benefits provided to all former presidents and vice presidents.

“If there are specific claims of benefits that she’s supposed to receive and is not receiving, as she claimed in her radio interview, we encourage her to make a formal claim, and the government is ready to look into that matter,” Piah stated.

The Minister added that while the government maintains a full listing of benefit recipients, details remain confidential out of respect for individual privacy.

It can be recalled that Howard-Taylor recently appeared on Spoon Talk, a radio and TV talk show, where she expressed dissatisfaction, alleging she is being treated as a former senator rather than a former vice president. She also claimed to have received no official vehicle or staff support despite repeated written appeals to the current administration.