Sinoe County Senator Cllr. Augustine Chea has sharply criticized the House of Representatives for issuing a “stay order” against Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated (LTMI), labeling the action as both “illegal and un-legislative.”
In an official statement released Friday, August 1, 2025, on his Facebook page, Senator Chea, a seasoned legal expert, asserted that the Legislature has no constitutional or statutory authority to issue stay orders—powers that are solely reserved for the judiciary and specific quasi-judicial or regulatory bodies empowered by law.
“A stay order is a legal instrument used to temporarily halt a proceeding or activity to prevent harm while an issue is under review. Such orders can only be issued by courts or certain administrative bodies authorized by law—not by the Legislature,” Chea clarified.
He stressed that the Legislature’s role in concession agreements, such as the LTMI deal, is confined to ratifying or rejecting such agreements, conducting oversight investigations, and recommending action to the Executive Branch.
Lawmakers, he said, cannot unilaterally suspend or stop a concession that has been lawfully approved and remains in effect.
“The Legislature has no authority to issue a ‘stay order’ or to suspend a concession. It is constitutionally required to respect the sanctity of contracts,” Chea added, referencing Article 25 of the Liberian Constitution.
The House of Representatives recently ordered LTMI to cease operations amid growing public criticism regarding the company’s traffic enforcement practices and the terms of its agreement with the government.
The move followed a report from the House’s Joint Committee tasked with investigating the concession.
While acknowledging legitimate public concerns, Chea advised that the proper course of action lies in following established legal procedures.
He recommended that the House, based on its Joint Committee’s findings, adopt a resolution—either independently or jointly with the Senate—urging the Executive to consider suspension, renegotiation, or termination of the LTMI agreement.
“That’s the legislative way to do it. We are a country of law!” the Senator declared.
Chea also warned that arbitrary actions by lawmakers against private investors risk damaging Liberia’s image as a secure and lawful destination for investment.
“The Legislature must always act within the bounds of the law and due process. Any unlawful action against investors could erode confidence and undermine the country’s investment climate,” he said.
The controversy surrounding LTMI’s concession continues to draw national attention, with civil society groups and citizens pressing for transparency, fairness, and reform in Liberia’s traffic enforcement sector.
It remains uncertain whether the Executive will act upon any legislative recommendations.
