Published: August 2, 2025
MONROVIA — Sinoe County Senator Cllr. Augustine Chea has sharply criticized the House of Representatives for issuing a “stay order” on a concession deal involving the Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI), calling the action both “illegal and un-legislative.”
In a detailed statement posted Friday on his verified Facebook page, Senator Chea argued that the House’s move to halt the LTMI concession unilaterally usurps powers reserved for the judiciary and regulatory institutions.
“The House of Representatives’ stay order’ on the Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI) is illegal and un-legislative,” Chea wrote. “The Legislature has neither the constitutional nor statutory authority to place a ‘stay order’ on a business or any activity.”
According to Chea, stay orders, temporary legal actions used to pause business operations or proceedings, can only be issued by courts or administrative bodies authorized by law. He emphasized that Liberia’s Constitution does not grant such authority to the Legislature.
“Stay orders are issued by courts or by administrative tribunals when their enabling laws grant them such power,” he stated. “The Legislature’s power in relation to concessions is limited to ratifying or rejecting agreements, conducting oversight, and making recommendations to the Executive, not suspending active contracts.”
Chea’s statement comes amid increasing public concern over the LTMI concession in the transport sector. While recognizing citizens’ frustrations, he emphasized that any intervention must adhere to the rule of law.
“The Plenary of the House may act on the recommendations of its Joint Committee to propose the suspension, renegotiation, or termination of the LTMI concession—but only through the Executive,” he wrote.
The lawyer-turned-lawmaker clarified that the proper legislative approach would be through non-binding or joint resolutions urging executive action. He warned that any attempt by lawmakers to exceed their constitutional authority could harm Liberia’s reputation as a safe destination for investors.
Public backlash against the LTMI concession partly arises from concerns that outsourcing services like driver’s license issuance and vehicle registration could undermine the Liberianization policy, which emphasizes employment for Liberians in sectors they are capable of managing.
There are worries that almost 300 Ministry of Transport workers might lose their jobs if the LTMI concession is maintained.
“We are a country of law. The Legislature must at all times act within the bounds of law and due process,” Chea said. “No actions taken against any investor should be arbitrary or unlawful, as such conduct could undermine investor confidence and damage the country’s reputation as an investment-friendly nation.”
Citing Article 25 of the Liberian Constitution, Chea emphasized that contracts, especially concession agreements ratified by the Legislature, are legally binding and cannot be altered or voided unilaterally.
“A concession is a contract. Its alteration or termination must follow legal procedures and respect the rights of all parties involved,” he stated.
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