By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Temple of Justice – The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a stay order in a significant legal battle involving the Opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and two estates: the Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard and the Intestate Estate of William Thomas Bernard.
This directive, given by Associate Justice Yamic Quiqui Gbeisay, requires Circuit Judge A. Bonah Elliott to pause all actions related to the case until further notice.
A crucial conference is set for October 18, 2024, to deliberate on the CDC’s petition for a writ of mandamus against Judge Elliott’s prior decisions. This legal maneuver aims to compel the court to fulfill its obligations concerning the estates involved.
The CDC, led by Acting Chairman Janka Kowo, filed the petition due to concerns about the judge’s management of the estate cases. Other notable figures in the case include Archibald F. Bernard and Nathaniel McGill, a prominent CDC member.
If the writ of mandamus is approved, it would force the court to address the CDC’s grievances. In the meantime, all legal proceedings related to this matter are on hold, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Earlier this September, the Civil Law Court issued a writ of possession favoring Martha Stubblefield Bernard, resulting in the eviction of the CDC from a property that has served as its headquarters for nearly two decades. This eviction stems from a longstanding lease dispute that has been a source of contention for all parties involved.
The CDC has vowed to oppose the eviction, with Chairman Janga Kowo actively seeking clarification on the situation.