The Supreme Court of Liberia has summoned Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi regarding a petition from suspended lawmakers demanding the lift of their salary freeze. The petitioners argue their suspension, led by the Majority Bloc in the absence of the duly elected Speaker, violates the Constitution. They cite a previous Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing their legal rights as elected officials amid ongoing governance challenges.
The Supreme Court of Liberia, led by Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson, has summoned Minister of Finance Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi to respond to a petition filed by suspended lawmakers. These legislators have had their salaries frozen since October 2024 due to their suspension, which they claim violated the Liberian Constitution and prevailing financial laws.
The petition was initiated by lawmakers Abu Kamara, Marvin Cole, Frank Saah FoKo, Edward Papee Flomo, Alex Sunnyboy Noah, and Eugene Kollie. They argue that their suspension was beyond the legal authority of the Majority Bloc, which acted in the absence of the constitutionally elected Speaker, Fonati Koffa. The petitioners refer to a previous Supreme Court ruling that deemed actions taken by the Majority Bloc during this period invalid.
The legislators maintain that the withholding of their salaries constitutes a serious breach of due process, fundamentally undermining their legal rights as elected officials. They state, “The withholding of our salaries is a blatant violation of the constitutional principles that guarantee due process and fairness.” Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbessay has reiterated that actions taken by the Majority Bloc remain illegal without the elected Speaker’s involvement.
Minister Ngafuan and Comptroller Kopi are required to submit their responses to the case by March 10, 2025. Their justification for why the writ of mandamus should not be enforced will be carefully reviewed by the Court ahead of a final decision. The outcome has the potential to significantly impact Liberia’s governance and constitutional stability amidst a current power struggle within the House of Representatives.
The case against the Minister of Finance and the House Comptroller highlights a crucial constitutional dispute regarding the suspension of lawmakers in Liberia. The suspended legislators assert their rights have been violated, compelling a judicial review of the Majority Bloc’s actions. The Supreme Court’s ruling will be pivotal for determining the legality of the current governance dynamics within the House of Representatives.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
