By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia —The Liberian Ministry of Justice has issued a formal clarification regarding ongoing legal proceedings before the Supreme Court of Liberia involving the removal of Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan as Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia.
In a press statement released on Friday, the Ministry responded to recent public remarks made by Dougbeh Chris Nyan concerning the court process surrounding his dismissal from the national health institution.
The Justice Ministry stressed that the Ministry of Justice and the Government of Liberia remain firmly committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the constitutional authority of the Judiciary. According to the statement, the government has no intention of undermining or refusing to enforce a lawful ruling of the Supreme Court, emphasizing that respect for judicial decisions is a fundamental obligation of the Executive Branch.
Officials explained that the ruling referenced in the public debate was issued by a justice of the Supreme Court sitting in Chambers. Under Liberian legal practice, the Ministry noted, decisions made in Chambers are subject to review by the Full Bench of the Court.
The statement further clarified that when a party exercises its legal right to appeal a Chambers ruling, the appeal automatically suspends enforcement of that ruling until the Full Bench reviews and issues a final determination.
In the case involving Dr. Nyan, the government, through its legal representatives, has exercised its constitutional right to appeal the Chambers decision to the Full Bench of the Supreme Court. The Ministry maintained that this action should not be interpreted as defiance of the Court but rather as a legitimate legal procedure intended to allow full judicial review.
“As such, claims suggesting that the Ministry of Justice or the Executive Branch is refusing to enforce the law are misleading and do not accurately reflect the legal status of the matter,” the statement said.
The Ministry emphasized that the government remains fully bound by the authority of the Judiciary and has a duty to ensure that all legal processes are properly followed before any enforcement measures are taken.
Officials also highlighted the importance of understanding the legal distinction between a Chambers ruling and a final judgment issued by the Full Bench of the Supreme Court. According to the Ministry, public commentary that overlooks this distinction risks creating an incomplete or inaccurate understanding of the judicial process.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to operate strictly within the boundaries of the law, noting that adherence to due process and judicial procedures is essential to maintaining the integrity of Liberia’s constitutional democracy.
The clarification was signed by Jutonu Y. Kollie, Director of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Justice.
