In a disconcerting and alarming assertion, Justice Minister Oswald Tweh has managed to open the door of lawlessness in Liberia. His recent declaration, which asserts that a group of lawmakers whose sitting and actions the Supreme Court has deemed unconstitutional, can still conduct legislative business, represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the very tenets of democracy upon which our nation stands.
This troubling position not only undermines the authority of the judiciary but also sows discord in the fragile fabric of Liberian democracy.
The Supreme Court, the apex of our legal framework, has pronounced these lawmakers as acting ultra vires – a state that pries their actions from the realm of legitimacy.
The Justice Minister’s adoption of a contradictory stance raises serious concerns about his commitment to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Republic. Such deliberate misinformation and misinterpretation of our highest court’s ruling play directly into the hands of those who seek to disassemble democratic institutions and foster instability. We must remember: those who undermine the rule of law are not merely misguided; they are enemies of the state.
In a nation striving to recover from the scars of civil conflict and rampant instability, the necessity of a strong and independent judiciary cannot be overstated. Justice Minister Tweh’s remarks essentially throw the door wide open for anarchy, inciting a chain reaction that could dismantle the democratic structures that were hard-won through pain and sacrifice. The implications of his statements are both profound and perilous, particularly for a government that vowed to uphold the rule of law and the principles intrinsic to democracy.
The silence surrounding these developments is deafening, and it is incumbent upon President Joseph Boakai to act decisively against this alarming trend. If he chooses to heed the Justice Minister’s counsel, it will signal a grave disregard for constitutional order and the principles of checks and balances that govern our republic.
The path to tyranny and despotism is insidious. It begins with the erosion of respect for lawful authority and progresses toward a climate where the will of the few may overshadow the rights of the many.
If the current administration is uncomfortable with democratic values, the only feasible route to absolute power lies in unlawfully dissolving the legislature and the judiciary, alongside suspending the Constitution to impose martial law.
Such a trajectory would inexorably lead to a backlash from the population and our commitments to democratic ideals. It is the will of the Liberian people to live in a state governed by laws and respect for democratic rights, not one subjugated under arbitrary rule.
This is a critical moment that calls for united democratic force against the emerging gangs of lawless rulers.
The media and civil society must amplify their vigilance. The role of an informed, engaged populace cannot be overstated in safeguarding democracy. By tirelessly championing the need for accountability and transparency, they can counteract the emerging threats of tyranny and despotism. It is essential to challenge statements issued by officials like Justice Minister Tweh that threaten to undermine our constitutional foundations.
We must reaffirm that the safeguarding of democracy is a collective responsibility. The Justice Minister’s opinions, as expressed, warrant little more than a dismissive glance—these views are harmful and unworthy of consideration in a nation built on the principles of liberty, justice, and the rule of law.
The way forward for Liberia must involve a recommitment to constitutional order, a respect for independent institutions, and a recognition of the invaluable role that democracy plays in promoting peace and prosperity for all Liberians. For the sake of our nation’s future, we must ensure that we uphold the rule of law—not just in word, but indeed.
