But Court Disqualifies Dr. Thomas Tweh—“Original Country Man”, Says He Is Not Domicile In Montserrado County District #11
PHOTO: Sanctioned ex-Min. McGill Nathaniel (middle) flanked by ruling CDC party stalwarts
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia- The Supreme Court has affirmed the ruling of NEC in favor of sanctioned and former Minister for presidential Affairs now senatorial candidate of Margibi County, Nathaniel MCcgill in a domicile case, who is under United States government’s sanction for “public corruption”.
The Supreme Court gave the ruling in favour of McGill today, Thursday, August 31, 2022.
Just weeks ago, the US Embassy in Monrovia advised against allowing Weah’s former Minister and three other senior officials sanctioned to be on the ballot. The Americans indicated that there would be consequences.
Earlier on August 15, 2023, the US State Department said:
“McGill has used his position to undermine the integrity and independence of Liberia’s democratic institutions and subvert government priorities for personal gain. Cephus has developed close relationships with suspects of criminal investigations and has received bribes from individuals in exchange for arranging for their cases to be dropped. Twehway has used his position at the NPA to corruptly advance his own personal wealth and political agenda. All three are being designated pursuant to Executive Order 13818, which builds upon and implements the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and targets perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.”
At the same time, the Supreme Court today, Thursday dashed the hope of Dr. Thomas Nimenne Tweh, Jr., who refers to himself as “Original Country Man”, from running as Representative of Montserrado County in the upcoming October 10 election.
Dr. Thomas Nimenne Tweh, Jr. to bow out of the Oct. 10 race
The full Bench of the Supreme Court reversed the National Election Commission’s ruling in an objection to nomination against the Montserrado District #11 Representative Candidate, who recently opened FM radio station is named OCM, original country man as well.
The ruling is said to have triggered protest by people believed to be supporters of Dr. Tweh in the Bardnersville suburb of Monrovia. The local OK Fm radio station Thursday evening reported that the supporters of OCM were on the streets bringing normal traffic and other activities at a standstill.
The Court in its ruling said, having carefully examined the facts contained in the records, listened to the arguments of the parties and considered the evidence and laws thereto, it is hereby.
Liberia’s highest maintained that it the National Elections Commission nomination and registration procedures that only candidates participating political parties, coalition and alliances are competent to challenge nominees on the provisional list of 2023 legislative election.
Therefore, madam Siah J. Tandanpoli of the New Liberia Party and Mr. Emmanuel Togbah of the all Liberian Party both of the standing to challenge the nomination Dr. Thomas Nimene Tweh and Mr. James Marwieh, a voter who having not fall in any of NEC regulations lack the legal capacity and standing to challenge the nomination of the appellee.
That the National Elections Commission being authorized by law to investigate candidates and scrutinized documents preferred by aspirants / candidates seeking to contest an election, such an investigation whether an aspirant/ candidate has renounced his foreign nationality cannot be equated to proceedings usurping the function of the Attorney General/ Minister of Justice under section 21.50 of the Alien and Nationality law.
That it having established by the Geo Information Services of the NEC that the appellee Dr. Thomas Nimene Tweh is not domicile in electoral District #11, he is not eligible to contest in the said district.
Wherefore and in view of the foregoing, the ruling of Board of commissioners of the NEC which confirmed the ruling of the hearing officers, is hereby reversed and the clerk is ordered to send a mandate to the NEC to resume jurisdiction and give effect to this judgement.
Additionally, the Supreme Court also ruled in favor of Senator Milton Tweahjay of Sinoe County where some concern citizens filed a petition against him on grounds that he was convict but the high court ruled that senator was long time cleared after he paid his fine.