Published: December 14, 2024
Monrovia – The Alternative National Congress (ANC) has strongly condemned what it described as the misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s opinion by Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and the unconstitutional removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position. In a statement released on Saturday, the ANC expressed grave concern over what it called a blatant disregard for Liberia’s democratic principles and constitutional order.
The party criticized the Justice Minister’s legal opinion, which it claims misrepresented the Supreme Court’s ruling to justify the actions of the Majority Bloc in the House of Representatives. The ANC described the government’s involvement in the removal of Speaker Koffa as a dangerous return to undemocratic practices, warning that such actions undermine Liberia’s credibility and stability.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the days when the principles of democracy in Liberia were undermined to serve the interests of those in power, regardless of the detrimental impact on our nation,” the ANC stated.
The ANC stated that while the Majority Bloc has the right to change its leadership, such decisions must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and the established rules of the House of Representatives. “We unequivocally condemn the illegal removal of the Speaker, an action that blatantly disregards the established rules of the House and violates the Constitution of Liberia. Anything less than adherence to the rule of law is unacceptable,” the statement read.
The party further criticized the “hasty and unlawful takeover,” describing it as a disheartening reflection of the current administration’s approach to governance. According to the ANC, the government’s actions do not enhance its credibility but instead reveal a tendency to settle political scores at the expense of national stability and democratic integrity.
The ANC warned that such political instability could deter potential investors and harm Liberia’s economic prospects. “A nation cannot progress without a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. The orchestrated removal of the Speaker by the government does nothing to enhance its credibility; rather, it appears to be a mere exercise in settling political scores,” the party stated.
The ANC expressed disappointment that the current administration, which came to power promising to rescue Liberia, is instead engaging in actions that undermine the nation’s democratic foundations. “This mission, which we can only describe as reckless, must be denounced by all well-meaning Liberians,” the party said, calling for a balanced distribution of power among the three branches of government.
The party urged all Liberians, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to join in denouncing the illegal removal of Speaker Koffa and the Justice Minister’s misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling. The party called for collective advocacy for governance that upholds the rule of law and strengthens democratic principles.
“We call upon all citizens and stakeholders to join us in denouncing these actions and to advocate for a governance system that truly upholds the rule of law and democratic principles,” the ANC said. “Together, we can work towards a brighter future for Liberia, one that is built on justice, transparency, and accountability.”
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