A Representative-Candidate who was initially disqualified by the Supreme Court to contest the ensuing October 10 presidential and legislative elections, Thomas Nimene Tweh, has expressed the hope of contesting the elections and called on his supporters not to tolerate any form of injustice in the Liberian society.
Last month, the Supreme Court mandated the National Elections Commission (NEC) to remove the name of Thomas Nimene Tweh, who is commonly known as “Original Country Man”, from the list of qualified candidates for the representative seat of district #11, Montserrado County, on ground that he was ineligible to contest following a domicile case filed against him by his political opponent, Siah Tandanpollie, New Liberia Party (NLP).
Tandapollie contended that Tweh does not reside in district # 11, but in Louisiana, district #1, Montserrado County. Tweh is currently a resident of the God’s Grace community, Louisiana.
The court’s ruling was in keeping with Article 30 (b) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, the organic law of the land. Article 30 (b) of the Constitution states that “citizens of Liberia who meet the following qualifications are eligible to become members of the Legislature shall be domiciled in the country or constituency to be represented not less than one year prior to the time of the election and be a taxpayer”.
But over the weekend, the Supreme Court, sitting in a Special Session, again issued a citation inviting Tweh (petitioner) and Siah Tandanpollie, New Liberia Party (NLP), James Marwieh, Emmanuel K. B Togbah and ALP (Respondents) to hear argument in an Application by Special Leave case filed by Tweh. Legal arguments were entertained and heard by the high court, but ruling on the case has been reserved.
Speaking to hundreds of his supporters in Bardnesville on Sunday, October 1, Tweh expressed confidence that he will be given the green light by the court to contest the election.
He claimed that his denial was a serious “injustice” that should not be tolerated.
“I am aware that many of you are feeling frustrated, miserable and angry because we were wrongfully denied initially our legal right to contest in our own district where we’re legitimate and legal registrant and domicile of; hence, we have been recalled and hopefully, with God on our side, we can say to you we have the strongest conviction that we will be allowed by the Supreme Court to contest and provide ably and adequate representation for you and the country at the 55th National Legislature, Liberia, after October 10, 2023.
“We all are cognizant of the fact that this is a serious injustice, and it’s one that we must not tolerate.”
He, however, encouraged his supporters to remain steadfast, determined and peaceful in the midst of what he termed as “broad day injustice of an illegal domicile denial”.
He emphasized that citizens are living in a time of great uncertainty and upheaval, and it is easy to feel angry, frustrated and discouraged; but, they must remain calm continue to work together to find a solution to problems.
Tweh encouraged citizens to continue to stand up and fight for what is right, even when it is difficult.
He observed that the culture of injustice which is not a new phenomenon in Liberia, has also been a part of the human experience since the beginning of time, but citizens have always overcome it and found a way to move forward.
“However, in our fight against injustice in society, most directly the situation implicating my domicile saga as your uncompromising choice, presumptive representative and only alternative in the most abandoned, deplorable and developmentally isolated district, district 11, Montserrado County, we should not let our anger transition to violence because violence will worsen the situation and present us as non-law abiding citizens of the motherland, Liberia.”
Tweh called on his supporters to always remember that they are not alone in this cause, noting that, “there are millions of people who share our values, principles, and law abiding nature, who are also fighting with us for the same cause, and with the spirit of togetherness and team work we can make the difference.”
He said though him and his uncompromising supporters in district 11, Montserrado County, and across Liberia are currently going through their difficult times, he remains confidence that they would overcome this challenge.
He noted that those supporting his ambition are strong and resilient people, and they would continue to always find a way to overcome their adversaries.
“We must not, and we will never, allow this challenge to defeat us!” he warned.
