PHOTO: Cllr. Adolphus Karnuah, National Association of Prosecutors President,
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
The National Association of Prosecutors of Liberia (NAPL) through its President, Cllr. Adolphus Karnuah who signed a resolution to boycott the November A.D term of court opening and all court functions, has now announced that they are cutting off their go-slow action.
Last Friday, the NAPL threatened to boycott the November Term of Court, if the Liberian government through the Finance Ministry fails to uphold the promises made to them in a meeting held with members of the Association.
In a written communication addressed to Justice Minister, Cllr Frank Musa Dean, the association cited unpaid salaries and benefits that state prosecutors should receive in order to adequately carry out their functions.
But less than 72 hours later, the state prosecutors have reversed their decision.
“With the power in me vested, all Prosecutors of the Ministry of Justice are requested and admonished to return to their various jurisdictions, courts of assigned and places of assignment and resume their normal duties in line with our functions as Prosecutors,” Cllr Karnuah said.
“Consequently, the boycott of courts announced on Friday, November 11,2022, is hereby called off as of this announcement,” the head of state prosecutors added.
The Deputy Minister of Justice for Codification and Solicitor General designate, Cllr. Nyan Tuayan is said to have assured the prosecutors tha they called off the strike action because all is being done to address the plight of Prosecutors as highlighted in our recent communication to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Liberia.
“However, we have warned that as we call off the boycott and go slow; our demands should be addressed within two weeks from the resumption of court sessions across Liberia on Monday,” Cllr. Karnuah explained.
State Prosecutors have informed the administration at the Justice Ministry “that failure on the part of the National Government to address our concerns, Prosecutors will resume the boycott of courts. Please take note and govern yourselves accordingly,” Cllr Karnuah asserted.
Background
In May of 2021, state prosecutors again boycotted the May A.D term of court opening due to the reasons mentioned above. State Prosecutors In Liberia Threaten Another Go-Slow Action Over Pay, Logistics – News Public Trust
“As failure for those demands to be met, prosecutors under this banner will engage in the boycott of courts across the country,” he said.
The head of state prosecutors called on the Minister of Justice to communicate with relevant agencies of government responsible in order to address their request.