Liberia’s Supreme Court Calls for Action on Suspended Lawmakers’ Salaries
The Liberian Supreme Court has called upon Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi to address a lawsuit filed by suspended lawmakers seeking to resume their withheld salaries. The petitioners claim their suspension violates constitutional rights and lacks legal foundation, prompting a critical examination of legislative processes amid a power struggle in the House of Representatives.
The Supreme Court of Liberia has summoned Minister of Finance Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi to respond to a petition from suspended lawmakers whose pay has been frozen since October 2024. The petition was submitted by six lawmakers who argue that their suspension by the Majority Bloc, led by Speaker Richard Koon, violates the Liberian Constitution and financial management laws.
The petitioners—Abu Kamara, Marvin Cole, Frank Saah FoKo, Edward Papee Flomo, Alex Sunnyboy Noah, and Eugene Kollie—assert that their suspension lacks legal backing since it occurred without the constitutionally elected Speaker, Fonati Koffa. They cite a previous Supreme Court ruling stated that actions by the Majority Bloc under these circumstances are null and void. Despite this ruling, their salaries remain withheld, which they claim is a violation of their constitutional rights.
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbessay has reinforced that the Majority Bloc’s actions, including suspending legislators and electing a new speaker, are illegal without the rightful Speaker’s involvement. This judicial stance has encouraged the lawmakers to uphold their rights as per the Supreme Court’s decision. The Minister of Finance and the Comptroller are required to submit their responses concerning the lawsuit by March 10, 2025, explaining why the writ of mandamus should not be enforced.
The outcome of the case could profoundly impact Liberia’s governance and constitutional order, especially amidst a power struggle within the House of Representatives. It signifies a critical moment for clarifying legislative authority and the rule of law in Liberia.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court has taken a decisive step regarding the unresolved issue of suspended lawmakers’ salaries. The actions of the Majority Bloc are under scrutiny, raising questions about procedural legality and constitutional rights. The impending response from the Minister of Finance and Comptroller is awaited, as it could shape the future governance framework of Liberia profoundly.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
