The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the Boakai-Koung administration of attempting to undermine judicial independence and overturn the acquittal of former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr., warning that such actions could plunge Liberia into a constitutional crisis.
In a statement released Monday under the signature of CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo, the party described Liberia as standing “on the cliff of anarchy and state collapse,” alleging that influential figures within the government are orchestrating efforts to overturn the jury’s verdict that acquitted Tweah following a public criminal trial.
The CDC specifically accused Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods of spearheading an alleged campaign to interfere with the judiciary, claiming they are seeking to invalidate what it described as a lawful and constitutional jury verdict.
The party further alleged it had received “credible information” suggesting that Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousmane Feika has been subjected to intimidation and death threats in connection with the case. The CDC also claimed that Vice President Koung had allegedly prioritized political considerations over adherence to the rule of law, although it provided no evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Describing the government’s reported move to challenge the jury’s acquittal as an abuse of power, the CDC argued that the case extends beyond Samuel Tweah and reflects what it called a broader pattern of using state institutions against political opponents.
The opposition party warned that any attempt to overturn the verdict or use force against Tweah would amount to a dangerous escalation of Liberia’s constitutional tensions. It said it would advise Tweah not to comply with what it termed “kangaroo justice” and vowed to hold government officials politically and personally responsible for any unrest arising from the matter.
“The jury has spoken. The Constitution must prevail,” the CDC declared, insisting that no government is above the law and that political ambition must never supersede constitutional governance.
Invoking Article 1 of the Liberian Constitution, which states that all power is inherent in the people, the CDC warned it would employ every democratic means available to resist what it characterized as unconstitutional governance if it concludes that the rule of law continues to be undermined.
The party also called on the Judiciary, the Liberia National Bar Association, civil society organizations, religious leaders, international partners, and citizens to defend judicial independence and uphold constitutional order.
