The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved for hearing a lawsuit seeking to compel the Liberian government to pay $10 million in damages over the alleged unlawful suspension of the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Ms. Emma Metieh Glassco.
The legal action, filed under case number ECW/CCJ/APP/19/25, was brought before the regional court by Glassco’s legal team, led by former Chief Justice of Liberia, Kabineh Ja’nneh, and Mr. Sayma Cephus.
Glassco contends that she was arbitrarily suspended by President Joseph Boakai in February over alleged “financial inefficiency.” She argues that her removal from office was executed without due process, as she was neither investigated nor found culpable by any anti-corruption agency in Liberia.
In her suit, Glassco asserts that her suspension has severely damaged her reputation, portraying her as lacking integrity and subjecting her to public humiliation.
The lawsuit names the Republic of Liberia as the sole respondent and seeks:
$10 million in general damages for alleged state-organized harassment, emotional distress, public humiliation, and reputational harm.
$175,000 in special damages for the unexpired term of her four-year contract, citing financial hardship imposed on her and her family.
$5 million for alleged violations of Liberia’s tenure law, which she claims have severely impacted her professional standing and psychological well-being.
A public apology from the Liberian government, to be published in all major newspapers, radio, and television stations, as well as on the country’s official website.
$250,000 to cover legal fees and litigation costs.
Glassco alleges that her removal was politically motivated and has unjustly cast her as a public enemy in her own country.
The ECOWAS Court in Abuja has acknowledged receipt of the case, but a date for the hearing is yet to be scheduled. The lawsuit is expected to test the court’s stance on due process and political dismissals within the West African region.
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