By Blamo N. Toe
Supreme Court Justice in Chamber Jamesetta Howard Wolokolie, has placed a stay order on the confirmation hearing of Associate Justice-designate Frank Musa Dean after the incoming ruling Unity Party asked the Court to block the appointment.
The stay order was issued Wednesday, January 3, 2023 on the Liberian Senate through its President Jewel Howard Taylor and President Pro-tempore, Albert Chie and the entire leadership of the body.
The Unity Party lawyers argued that President Weah should not be doing such a crucial nomination especially on December 26, 2023, indicating about 26 days to the inauguration of President-Elect Joseph Boakai to replace an Associate Justice who has asked for early retirement.
UP legal team said while it is true Article 54(C) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution grants the President the authority to nominate and with the consent of the Senate appoint Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, the current nomination is untimely.
The legal representation of the Liberian Senate and Cllr. Frank Musa Dean are required to file their returns on the 9th of January 2024 for onward hearing.
President Weah nominated Cllr. Dean – the current Justice Minister following a request from Associate Justice Joseph Nagbe for early retirement.
