Claims: “Mansion’s Interference In House of Representatives Crisis; Warns Nimba Representative Samuel Kogar against Attacks on Press Freedom”
PHOTO: Joey Kennedy, AlJA Kennedy
Minneapolis, USA- The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has strongly condemned recent developments in the ongoing crisis within Liberia’s House of representatives in which the Justice Minister and Attorney-General skewed the interpretation of the recent ruling of the Supreme Court in favor of the so-called majority members of the House of representatives, an ALJA press release said recently.
ALJA says such action on the part the Attorney-General at the instruction of the Executive branch of the Liberian government clearly undermines the rule of law, and the doctrine of Separation of Powers enshrined in the constitution of Liberia.
In a release signed by the organization’s President, Joey Kennedy, ALJA said while the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Articles 33 and 49 of the Liberian Constitution refrained from explicitly addressing the legality of actions taken by the anti-Koffa group in the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General’s skewed interpretation of the ruling has the proclivity to further exacerbate the already volatile crisis at the House of Representatives.
At the same time, ALJA has expressed concerns over the Executive Mansion’s decision to withdraw security personnel and other government resources assigned to House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa in the wake of the ongoing crisis. ALJA views the withdrawal of Speaker Koffa’s security detail as a blatant intimidation that undermines the principle of separation of powers and the integrity of Liberia’s governance. Such action does not only compromise the safety of Speaker Koffa but sets a dangerous precedent of using state power to influence legislative processes.
ALJA calls on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to exercise leadership by respecting fundamental doctrine of separation of powers and refrain taking interfering in the affairs of the House of representatives.
Meanwhile, AlJA has condemned in the strongest terms threats made by Nimba County Representative Samuel Kogar against journalist Julius Jeh of OK FM during a live broadcast in which the law maker accused journalist Jeh of inciting public discontent over the ongoing leadership crisis in the House of Representatives and threatened potential consequences against the journalist.
ALJA believes such intimidation and vile threat is a direct attack on press freedom and undermines the role of the media as a cornerstone of democracy. The US Based advocacy group believes Journalists must be able to report on critical national issues without fear of retribution or harm.
ALJA reiterates that press freedom is non-negotiable and essential to holding leaders accountable, fostering transparency, and ensuring that the Liberian people are informed about the actions of their government.
The Association remains committed to advocating for a free press, good governance, and respecting Liberia’s constitutional order. ALJA will monitor the situation and speak out against actions threatening the country’s democratic progress.
ALJA is a U.S.-based Liberian media advocacy organization committed to promoting press freedom and fostering good governance through media advocacy. Founded in 1998, ALJA supports accountability and integrity in Liberia’s political affairs.