The Justice in Chamber, Yussif D. Kaba, has declined to issue a writ of prohibition prayed for by the Deputy Director General of NASSCORP, Carmerna Cephas-Yekeh, over her recent dismissal by President Joseph Boakai.
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, President Joseph Boakai, with immediate effect, dismissed Madam Yekeh from the position of Deputy Director General of the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) for alleged acts of gross insubordination to his office.
The President, in an Executive Mansion release, claimed that Madam Yekeh’s failure to adhere to the high standards of conduct expected of a public servant has resulted in her immediate removal from the post.
The President then expressed appreciation for her service to the Corporation, but emphasized that he cannot tolerate any behavior that goes against the best interest of the country under his administration, and that the decision has been made with utmost confidence and in the best interest of the Corporation.
But in reaction, the dismissed Deputy Director General of NASSCORP then ran to the Supreme Court to seek redress for her dismissal, citing her unconstitutional removal from the position by the President.
Madam Yeke maintained that her position is a tenure position, and as such, the President does not have the constitutional backing to dismiss her when the tenure has not expired.
Amid the constitutional battle between the legal team of Madam Yeke and the Liberian Government, represented by Justice Minister, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, the Supreme Court has rejected her petition of prohibition.
The petitioner requested the High Court to issue a writ of prohibition to prevent Cllr. Moiffie Kanneh, Deputy Director General-designate of NASSCORP, from replacing her, following his nomination to the position by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
In the communication, a copy of which is in the possession of this paper, Justice Kaba, through the Supreme Court Clerk, Cllr. Sam Mamulu, informed the Minister of Justice to resume jurisdiction, and proceed in keeping with law.
“By directive of His Honor, Yussif D. Kaba, Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby mandated to resume jurisdiction, and proceed in keeping with law, as the Justice has declined to issue the writ prayed for by the petitioner,” the directive reads.
