The Commercial Court at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia has ordered the seizure and sale of National Elections Commission (NEC) assets to satisfy a debt of US$171,105 owed to M-TOSH Prints Media, Inc.
The writ of execution, signed by Associate Judge Chan-Chan A. Paegar and Clerk J. Amos F. Gbowah, directs Acting Sheriff Emmanuel Morris to move against NEC’s assets. The order targets the land, goods, and chattels of NEC, with claims extending to real property if movable assets fall short of the debt.
A striking provision within the writ warns that, if no assets are found, the Sheriff is empowered to bring the NEC’s leadership before the Commercial Court “to be dealt with according to law.” The clause specifically mentions NEC Chairperson Mrs. Davidetta Brown-Lansanah and the Board of Commissioners.
The debt dispute stems from a case filed by M-TOSH Prints Media, Inc., represented by Varney A. Fahnbulleh, which culminated in the court ruling in favor of the private printing company.
The ruling signals the judiciary’s readiness to enforce financial obligations, even when the debtor is a national institution tasked with conducting elections.
NEC, Liberia’s electoral body responsible for national elections, now faces a highly visible consequence of its financial management and accountability. The court’s writ emphasizes the judiciary’s impatience with government entities failing to settle contractual obligations to private businesses.
In a brief reaction, NEC Chairperson Davidetta Brown Lansanah, said she would consult the NEC’s legal department to determine the nature of the seizure and the institution’s next legal steps.
