The House of Representatives has been urged to summon Liberia’s Minister of Justice, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, to explain his alleged refusal or delay in addressing a serious death threat complaint. The request, spearheaded by Anthony F. Williams, Representative of Pleebo Sodoken Electoral District #2 in Maryland County, calls for immediate action on the case involving the Deputy Chief of Investigations (DCI) at the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Mr. Abel D. Guah.
The controversy arose from an incident on August 21, 2024, when Mr. Guah, while performing his duties, allegedly received a death threat from Cllr. Sayma Syrenius Cephus, the former Solicitor General of Liberia.
The threat occurred in the midst of an LACC investigation into allegations of payroll padding and acts of corruption tied to former Minister of State Nathaniel F. McGill.
The investigation, focused on a supplementary payroll involving 728 names at the Ministry of State and Presidential Affairs, brought to light serious concerns about financial malpractice. However, the matter took a dangerous turn when Guah reported the threat to his life.
Despite a formal complaint filed by Guah to the Justice Minister on August 26, 2024, there has been no significant action or response from the ministry, sparking debate among lawmakers and raising questions about the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to safeguarding public servants.
In his letter to Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and the House of Representatives, Hon. Williams emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the clear violation of Article 11a of the Liberian Constitution. By failing to act promptly on Guah’s complaint, the Justice Ministry, according to Williams, is in violation of its constitutional duty to protect the lives of citizens, particularly those serving the public interest.
“The death threat against Mr. Guah is not just a personal attack; it is an affront to the rule of law and the constitutional rights enshrined for all Liberians,” Williams said. He further expressed concern that the Justice Minister’s inaction could embolden further threats or even violence against public servants who are tasked with investigating corruption and other criminal activities.
Representative Williams also drew attention to a disturbing pattern of violence against public servants in Liberia. He recalled several high-profile cases, including the tragic murders of Gifty Lama, Albert Peters, and Bartan Nyeswah, all of whom were killed while performing their official duties. These unresolved cases have left a chilling effect on the nation, with many fearing that the justice system is incapable or unwilling to protect its citizens.
“The failure to address the death threat against Mr. Guah could lead to yet another tragedy, similar to the cold-blooded murders of public servants we have seen in the past,” Williams warned. “We cannot afford to wait for another life to be lost before taking action. The stakes are too high, and the consequences too severe.”
Given the nature of the allegations and the potential for further harm, Williams is calling on the House of Representatives to swiftly summon Minister Tweh to explain his silence on the matter. He argues that the Justice Minister’s refusal or delay to investigate the death threat is not only a dereliction of duty but also sets a dangerous precedent for future cases involving public servants under threat.
“There must be accountability, and the Minister of Justice must be held to answer for why he has remained silent on such a grave issue,” Williams urged. “The protection of our public servants is non-negotiable, and this august body must act to ensure that justice is served.”
