Abuja, Nigeria – The Director General of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Emma Metieh Glassco, has taken legal action against the Liberian government at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Glassco is challenging her indefinite suspension, arguing that it amounts to unlawful removal from office and violates her fundamental rights.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The lawsuit lists the Republic of Liberia as the respondent and is brought under various legal frameworks, including the ECOWAS Court Protocol, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and the Liberian Constitution.
Former Associate Justice Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh is representing Glassco in the lawsuit. Glassco’s suspension in February followed allegations of financial and administrative mismanagement at NAFAA. Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah confirmed the suspension, stating it was based on recommendations from NAFAA’s Board, which accused Glassco of violating the institution’s laws. Additionally, the Office of the Ombudsman raised concerns about Glassco’s leadership style, calling it “insultive,” which reportedly influenced President Boakai’s decision to suspend her.
Allegations Against the Liberian Government
However, Glassco claims that her suspension, initiated through a letter dated February 12, 2025, was conducted without due process, violating Article 20(a) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution. According to her, the NaFAA Act guarantees a fixed four-year tenure for the Director General, and her removal was unlawful since there was no properly constituted Board of Directors to validate the decision.
She further alleges that she has been subjected to public humiliation, intimidation, and politically motivated investigations by various state agencies, including the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, Glassco argues that her suspension has deprived her of legally mandated salaries and benefits for the remainder of her tenure.
Claims and Compensation Sought
As part of the legal action, Glassco is requesting the ECOWAS Court to order the Liberian government to pay her $175,000 in damages for lost salary and benefits for the remainder of her tenure, declare her suspension as unlawful and a violation of tenure protections, award her $5 million in compensation for professional and psychological damage caused by her removal and $10 million in restitution for reputational harm, emotional distress, and public humiliation.
In addition, Glassco is seeking the Ecowas Court to order the removal of all government-issued publications alleging financial misconduct against her, demand a public apology from the government, to be published in national newspapers and aired on radio and television, cover her legal expenses, estimated at $250,000.
Legal Arguments
Glassco’s legal team argues that her suspension violates her contractual rights and tenure protections under the NaFAA Act. They also claim that the government’s actions breach multiple human rights provisions under international law, including the right to fair treatment, due process, and protection against unlawful deprivation of property.
The lawsuit also highlights procedural flaws, including the absence of a fully constituted NaFAA Board to lawfully recommend her suspension. Glassco contends that state agencies were mobilized against her without clear legal justifications, subjecting her to undue harassment.
ECOWAS Court Jurisdiction
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has jurisdiction over human rights violations within member states. Glassco’s legal team asserts that the case qualifies for adjudication under Articles 9(4) and 10(d) of the ECOWAS Protocol, which allow individuals to bring cases against their governments when national remedies are inadequate.
Potential Implications
This high-profile case could have significant implications for governance in Liberia, particularly regarding the security of tenure for appointed officials. A ruling in favor of Glassco could set a legal precedent for officials challenging dismissals and suspensions deemed politically motivated.
The Liberian government has not yet issued an official response to the lawsuit. However, analysts say the case is expected to draw attention from legal experts, political analysts, and international human rights organizations monitoring governance and judicial processes in the ECOWAS region.
The ECOWAS Court is expected to schedule a hearing in the coming weeks to determine the admissibility of the case and begin legal proceedings.