By Archie Boan
Senator Nathaniel F. McGill has raised serious concerns over the government’s handling of the investigation involving former First Lady Clar Marie Weah’s humanitarian foundation, warning that recent actions by the court amount to judicial overreach and could justify impeachment
Speaking before the Senate, McGill anchored his concerns on the conduct of Judge Roosevelt Willie, whom he accused of undermining constitutional safeguards by allowing efforts to compel a private foundation to produce evidence against itself while no formal criminal case is before the court.
According to the senator, Liberia’s democracy is rooted in the rule of law, which requires that all anti-corruption efforts be carried out strictly within constitutional limits. He stressed that while the fight against corruption is necessary and supported by the Legislature through budgetary allocations to the LACC, GAC, and the Asset Recovery Team, the burden of proof must remain with the state
McGill criticized the Asset Recovery Team’s approach to Clar M. Weah Foundation, noting that if public funds were used, the state must present evidence in court rather than demanding that the foundation prove its innocence. He described such demands as a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which protects individuals and entities from self-incrimination.
He further warned that the court’s involvement at the investigative stage compromises its neutrality and places it in the role of the prosecution, a situation he described as incompatible with judicial responsibility.
The senator disclosed that a formal complaint will be filed with the Senate to invite the judge and officials of the Asset Recovery Team to account for their actions. He cautioned that failure to adhere to the law could expose the judiciary to impeachment proceedings.
McGill concluded by warning that actions taken against one private entity today could set a precedent affecting others tomorrow, urging all institutions to act within the confines of the Constitution to preserve Liberia’s hard-won democracy.
