The Legislative Caucus of Nimba County has formally petitioned President Joseph Boakai to uphold and enforce the judgment issued by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice on November 10, 2020, regarding the former Associate Justice Kabineh M. Ja’neh.
The Nimba Caucus reiterated the importance of respecting the ECOWAS Court’s ruling, which includes reinstating Justice Ja’neh to his rightful position at the Supreme Court, restoring his entitlements, and providing compensation for moral prejudice suffered.
“We, the Nimba County Legislative Caucus, write to officially remind Your Excellency of the matter of former (impeached) Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, His Honor Kabineh M. Ja’neh, and to most respectfully urge your administration to enforce the November 10, 2020 Judgment of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice,” the Caucus stated.
The case traces back to 2018, when a petition for the impeachment of Justice Ja’neh was presented to the House of Representatives by Thomas P. Fallah and Acarous M. Gray.
Despite a stay order issued by the Supreme Court, Justice Ja’neh was impeached by the Liberian Senate on allegations including theft of records and improper handling of cases.
Following his removal, Justice Ja’neh sought justice at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, which ruled in his favor, declaring his impeachment as a violation of his fundamental rights to due process and a fair trial.
The regional Court’s judgment mandated the government then, to reinstate Justice Ja’neh, compensate for financial losses, and submit a report on implementation within six months.
Despite the clear directives from the ECOWAS Court, the Weah-led administration failed to comply with the ruling until its term ended in January 2024, and this failure to act has left Justice Ja’neh in limbo for over five years, since his removal from office.
“Despite repeated calls, the Weah Administration refused to respect and honor the ECOWAS Court’s Judgment. By March 31, 2024, it’s now 60 months since the Weah-led Administration illegally removed Cllr. Ja’neh from the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia,” they stated.
The Senate of the 54th Legislature recently passed a resolution urging the incoming administration led by President Boakai to honor and implement the ECOWAS Court’s judgment without delay.
The resolution emphasizes Liberia’s commitment as a member of ECOWAS to uphold decisions and mandates of regional bodies, including the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
That body stated, “It was therefore most appropriate when the Liberian Senate of the 54th Legislature at its last Session, marking the great transition from the outgoing Administration of President George Manneh Weah to the 55th Legislature and the incoming Administration of President-Elect Joseph Nyumah Boakai, called on the Senate of the Republic of Liberia to formally declare to the world that we shall honor the Judgment of the ECOWAS Community Court rendered in favor of Associate Justice Kabineh M. Ja’neh, and mandate all appropriate organs of the Republic of Liberia to implement the ECOWAS Court’s decisions in this regard, notwithstanding any adjustment done with Mr. Ja’neh through negotiations, and amicable resolution by the Administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.”
In response to the Senate’s resolution, members of the Nimba County Legislative Caucus have echoed their support for justice and accountability under President Boakai’s leadership.
They are calling upon the President to take decisive action in enforcing the ECOWAS Court’s ruling and ensuring that justice is served for Justice Ja’neh.
In the joint resolution, the members of the Nimba County Legislative Caucus expressed their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Liberian citizens.
They highlighted the importance of respecting international agreements and legal decisions to maintain Liberia’s standing within the ECOWAS community.
