The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a summons to Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi regarding a petition by suspended lawmakers seeking to lift a salary freeze imposed since October 2024. These lawmakers argue that their suspension lacked constitutional authority and that the withholding of their salaries violates their rights as elected officials. A ruling on this matter could have significant implications for Liberia’s governance.
Monrovia – Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson from the Supreme Court of Liberia has summoned Minister of Finance Augustine Ngafuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi to address a urgent petition submitted by suspended lawmakers whose salaries have been frozen since October 2024.
Lawmakers Abu Kamara (CDC, District 15), Marvin Cole (District 3, Bong), Frank Saah FoKo (District 9, Montserrado), Edward Papee Flomo (District 13, Montserrado), Alex Sunnyboy Noah (District 3, Sinoe), and Eugene Kollie (District 5, Bong) argue that their suspension is unconstitutional. They claim that the Majority Bloc, led by Speaker Richard Koon, acted beyond its authority by suspending them without the constitutionally elected Speaker, Fonati Koffa, present.
The petition further references a previous Supreme Court decision which deemed the Majority Bloc’s actions invalid in similar circumstances. The lawmakers assert that the withholding of their salaries constitutes a violation of their rights as elected representatives, undermining due process principles and their legal entitlements as officials.
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbessay noted that all actions by the Majority Bloc, including the suspension and new speaker election, were unauthorized without the elected Speaker’s involvement. His remarks have strengthened the minority bloc’s position in enforcing the Supreme Court’s previous ruling.
The Minister of Finance and Comptroller are required to respond to the lawsuit by March 10, 2025, justifying why the writ of mandamus should not be enforced. Their responses will be assessed before a final decision is made.
The resolution of this case could significantly impact Liberia’s governance and constitutional integrity amidst an ongoing power struggle in the House of Representatives.
The Supreme Court of Liberia has summoned key financial officials to address the salary freeze imposed on suspended lawmakers. The petition highlights potential constitutional violations and questions the legal authority behind the suspension actions by the Majority Bloc. The outcome is expected to influence Liberia’s governance and clarify the legal framework surrounding the House of Representatives.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
