By Laurina B. Lormia
A group of former officials and current members of the Liberian Business Association (LIBA) has disowned James M. Strother as president of the institution, citing constitutional violations and prolonged tenure without elections.
Addressing the press on Thursday, June 13, 2025, on behalf of the former LIBA officials Emma C. B. Marshall declared that Mr. Strother is no longer recognized as head of the association and warned that any dealings with him in the name of LIBA would be done at one’s own risk.
“Effective immediately, any individual or entity conducting business with Mr. James M. Strother on behalf of or in connection with LIBA will be doing so at their own risk,” Mrs. Marshall said.
According to her, Mr. Strother’s constitutional tenure expired on August 15, 2022, yet he has allegedly refused to hold elections or convene a national convention as required by the organization’s 2007 Constitution.
Marshall maintained that the lack of elections and a national convention under Strother’s watch represents a clear breach of the rules governing LIBA and undermines the voice and will of its membership.
She further questioned the legitimacy of the current constitution being used by Mr. Strother, describing it as illegal and unadopted through proper procedures. Mrs. Marshall explained that several individuals listed as contributors to the document were not aware of the final content.
She also accused Strother of running the institution without a functioning leadership structure, noting that there is currently no active code of officers to guide the affairs of LIBA.
“His recent involvement in partisan politics, specifically his decision to contest for Representative in Montserrado County District #4 during the 2023 elections was also flagged as a violation of the Association’s bylaws.
“LIBA is a business advocacy body, not a political institution,” Marshall stated. “Our constitution forbids active involvement of its officials in politics while in office,” she added.
She noted that several elected officials of the association were unilaterally suspended by Strother without due process, describing his actions as an abuse of power and a betrayal of the association’s founding principles.
She also lamented Strother’s failure to host the traditional LIBA Business Quarterly Dinners, which she said once served as a platform to engage stakeholders and support the association’s operations.
Additionally, she noted that monthly meetings meant to update members and address their concerns have not been held for more than a year, leaving the body disconnected from the business community.
“LIBA, under Mr. Strother has become dormant, unresponsive, and inconsistent with its core mandate to promote, protect, and empower Liberian businesses,” Marshall emphasized.
As part of their resolution, she announced a vote of no confidence in Mr. Strother called on him to relinquish the presidency to allow a smooth and legitimate transition process.
The announcement, she said, marks a turning point in their efforts to restore credibility and functionality to one of Liberia’s premier business advocacy institutions.
