The ECOWAS Court of Justice will on tomorrow, June 8, deliver its judgment in a suit filed by former Liberian President, Charles Taylor requesting the Liberian government to pay his pension and other benefits for 20 years following his August 11, 2003 resignation from office.
In his 10-page application filed before the Court, the former President asked for a declaration that the refusal of the respondent to pay him his pension and other retirement benefits from August 11, 2003 till date is illegal and a violation of his human right.
He also asked the Court for an order to mandate the Respondent, the Republic of Liberia, to add a 6% interest per month and thereafter make the payment of his pension benefits current.
In addition, the former President asked the court for mandate the respondent to provide for staff, security and legally prescribed transportation for his wife and children, in applicant’s presence, for the remainder of their lives as well as pay him the sum of $5,000 being the solicitor’s fees and other incidental costs.
But in its defense, the Republic of Liberia stated that the former President did not qualify for the entitlements provided for in the July 6 Act of 1978 cited by the applicant as the basis for the suit as he did not retire honorably adding that this means the voluntary quitting of office by the former President who was under a criminal indictment by the Special Court of Sierra Leone.
“The Act qualifies in clear and unequivocal terms the mode and manner of a President’s retirement and his status after retirement in order for him or her to benefit under the provision of the Act,” the State said in its response.
The government contended that in view of the prevailing political and military situation in the country and in order to save his life, former President Taylor negotiated and accepted an arrangement under which he resigned and was exiled to Nigeria where he was arrested and sent for trial at the Special Court.
