By: Melvin Flomo
Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine has sharply criticized presidential appointees in the Executive Branch for publicly attacking the Supreme Court of Liberia, cautioning that such actions not only undermine the country’s judicial integrity but also tarnish President Joseph Boakai’s image within the West African region and the World.
The respected Liberian lawyer and managing partner at the CMB Law Group issued her statement just hours after the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling in the ongoing leadership crisis within the House of Representatives.
The legal dispute involves two rival factions: the Rule of Law Caucus, which has challenged the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa as unconstitutional, and the Majority Bloc, led by their self-declared Speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Koffa, nullifying Koon’s speakership and declaring all legislative decisions taken under his leadership unconstitutional and void. The court acted upon an amended bill of information filed by Koffa’s legal team, which argued that the Koon-led bloc violated an earlier December 6, 2024, judgment outlining the constitutional process for removing legislative leaders.
Koffa has since called for unity and reconciliation, but Koon responded with a scathing statement rejecting the court’s ruling and pledging non-compliance, further fueling public debate across the country.
Later that night, Cllr. Brumskine took to Facebook, calling out executive officials for “attacking” the judiciary simply because they disagreed with the ruling. She warned that such conduct erodes public trust and sends a troubling signal to Liberia’s regional and international partners.
“At some point, we have to let the young people know that this is wrong,” she Stated. “No one especially elected or appointed officials should disrespect or denigrate another branch of government.”
While supporting the right to free speech, Brumskine stressed that those serving in the Executive Branch have a responsibility to represent the president appropriately.
“Freedom of speech is important, but if you are in the Executive, you reflect the president,” she said. “How can an appointed official speak so harshly about the Supreme Court? You’re making the president look bad to other leaders in the region. Stop it.”
Cllr. Brumskine also used her platform to speak directly to young Liberians, urging them not to endorse or share divisive statements made by public officials online.
She highlighted the gap between the struggles of ordinary citizens and the privileged lifestyles of many government officials, noting their access to taxpayer-funded salaries, vehicles, and fuel coupons.
“Some of these people live lives you can’t relate to,” she said. “While you’re wondering how to pay your tuition or which clinic to take your sick child to, they’re enjoying perks funded by taxpayers.”
Brumskine concluded with a powerful call to civic education and constitutional respect, encouraging the nation’s youth to rise above partisan politics.
“Let’s move beyond political party loyalty and understand that the rule of law gives the Supreme Court the final say,” she said. “We must educate ourselves and each other about respecting the judiciary and preserving our constitutional order.”
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