Monrovia– The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has accused the Liberian judiciary of being “compromised” underneath the management of President Joseph Boakai, following the latest demolition of the celebration’s Nationwide Headquarters in Congo City.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972), [email protected]
In its first official press convention because the incident, CDC Appearing Chairman Janga A. Kowo labeled the demolition as unlawful and politically motivated, claiming it was carried out in violation of the Liberian Structure and civil process legal guidelines.
Chairman Kowo mentioned the motion by the Liberia Nationwide Police and Civil Regulation Courtroom got here whereas an enchantment associated to the celebration’s property was nonetheless pending earlier than the Supreme Courtroom — the nation’s highest judicial authority.
“On announcement of an enchantment by a defendant, no execution shall situation a judgment towards him nor shall any proceedings be taken for its enforcement till last judgment is rendered,” Kowo quoted from Liberia’s Civil Process Regulation.
He argued that the timing of the demolition — simply days earlier than the Nationwide Elections Fee (NEC) started its annual inspection of political celebration headquarters — raises severe suspicions.
“The timing of the demolition of our Nationwide Headquarters on the eve of the NEC’s annual inspection is deeply regarding. It seems to be a deliberate try to undermine our authorized standing as a political celebration within the Republic of Liberia,” he said.
Kowo expressed frustration that CDC’s authorized efforts to guard its rights had been ignored, asserting that the motion units a harmful precedent for the nation’s fragile democracy.
“It’s saddening to notice that the judiciary has develop into apparently compromised. It has develop into an instrument and a automobile for the federal government to abuse and violate the rule of legislation in Liberia,” he mentioned.
The CDC chief described the destruction of the celebration’s headquarters, together with the symbolic “Sycamore Tree,” as irreversible, even when the Supreme Courtroom finally guidelines within the celebration’s favor.
“Our appeals earlier than the Supreme Courtroom have develop into efforts in futility. A authorized victory on the excessive court docket is not going to restore what has already been destroyed. The injury is completed,” Kowo lamented.
He mentioned the Boakai-Koung administration’s alleged interference with the judiciary poses a severe risk to peace and democracy in Liberia.
“The eviction was clearly an unlawful act carried out underneath the pretext of executing a court docket order. Our democracy is in danger when the justice system is weaponized and biased,” Kowo asserted.
He additionally accused the administration of selectively imposing court docket rulings, stating that a number of Supreme Courtroom selections have been ignored by the federal government, whereas decrease court docket judgments—particularly these unfavorable to the CDC—are executed with velocity.
“That is sheer mockery and never justice,” he added.
Chairman Kowo warned that Liberia’s previous is crammed with examples of judicial manipulation resulting in nationwide unrest, together with navy coups and civil struggle.
“The abuse of energy and manipulation of judicial processes led to Liberia’s bloody civil wars,” he mentioned. “Residents misplaced religion in governance and resorted to violence.”
Regardless of the challenges, Kowo praised former President and CDC Political Chief George Manneh Weah for what he known as “exemplary management” in sustaining peace throughout tough instances.
“Because of His Excellency President George Manneh Weah for taking the laborious and tough management position of sustaining peace amid these evident abuses. This can be a testomony to management and patriotism,” Kowo concluded.
