The Supreme Court of Liberia has summoned Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi to address a petition filed by suspended lawmakers whose salaries have been frozen since October 2024. The lawmakers contend their suspension by the Majority Bloc violates the Constitution. Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbessay has supported their position, emphasizing that proceedings without the constitutionally elected Speaker are invalid. A response from the Minister and Comptroller is expected by March 2025.
In Liberia, the Supreme Court under Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson has summoned Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi to address a petition from suspended lawmakers. These lawmakers, whose salaries have been frozen since October 2024, argue that the suspension imposed by the Majority Bloc is unconstitutional and infringes upon their financial rights. They claim their elected positions are legitimate, having been sworn in January 2024, and that the Majority Bloc acted beyond its legal authority in suspending them without the constitutionally elected Speaker, Fonati Koffa.
The petitioners include six lawmakers contesting their suspension, which they assert violates both the Liberian Constitution and established financial laws. They reference a previous Supreme Court ruling that deemed actions taken without the Speaker’s participation as invalid. Nonetheless, Finance Minister Ngafuan and Comptroller Kopi have yet to release their withheld salaries, further complicating the matter as this constitutes a breach of statutory and constitutional rights.
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbessay has previously affirmed that all actions by the Majority Bloc, including those related to suspensions and speaker elections, lack legality without the constitutional Speaker’s involvement. His remarks have galvanized the minority bloc’s efforts to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling. The Minister and Comptroller must respond to the lawsuit by March 10, 2025, justifying why the writ of mandamus should not be enforced, with their submissions to be evaluated accordingly.
This case’s outcome holds significant implications for Liberia’s governance and constitutional integrity, set against the backdrop of a continuing power struggle within the House of Representatives.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s involvement in the case concerning suspended lawmakers highlights critical issues surrounding their salary freezes and constitutional rights. The petition emphasizes the legal breaches by the Majority Bloc and the responsibilities of government officials to uphold the law. As the case unfolds, its repercussions may profoundly affect Liberia’s political landscape and governance.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
