By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — Cllr. Arthur Johnson says he will appeal the corruption case against former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. — even though his client has publicly said “no.” In a statement Monday, Johnson cited his duty as a Supreme Court Bar member, arguing that lawyers must protect a client’s rights even when the client refuses. “I will not allow our client’s statement to refuse appellate review,” he said, warning that failing to act could jeopardize his license and the entire legal team.
The move comes days after a lower court jailed 15 jurors for alleged jury tampering, a ruling that triggered an angry response from Mr. Tweah. Calling it “a gigantic step backwards” for Liberian justice, the former minister dismissed the verdict as a “kangaroo ruling.” “No judge, no justice and no President can ever change my NOT GUILTY verdict. It is etched in the history of our country!” he declared.
Tweah also shut the door on further legal action. “I have instructed my legal team that my legal journey has since ended with my verdict and I will not submit myself to any Supreme Court process. As such, they will file nothing before the Supreme Court,” he said. He added that “we have left the law and are now in the full realm of politics,” signing off as “Samuel D Tweah, Jr. that FEARLESS Grebo warrior.”
Johnson, however, insists the law must run its course. He said the defense will “seek to convince our client to allow us to take advantage of the law governing the case OR to APPEAL THE LOWER COURT DECISION,” and plans to engage Mr. Tweah directly. The disagreement now sets up a rare test: whether an attorney can pursue an appeal over a client’s objection, as public attention turns to both the corruption case and the independence of Liberia’s judiciary.
