The Editor,
You see, each of the three Branches of Govt has a Head. As we all know, the President heads both the Executive Branch and the entire govt as a whole (Article 50), the Speaker heads the Legislative Branch (Articles 33 & 49) and the Chief Justice heads the Judiciary Branch (Article 67).
It will be degrading to see the Head of one Branch to subject and reduce the prestige, dignity and respect of his high office to a Subordinate of another Branch.
Speaker Tyler has been indicted and arraigned before a court of law for Bribery and other felonies. Throughout the trial, the Speaker will be made to sit on a regular defendant/prisoner’s bench before a Subordinate Judge and be questioned for crimes he has allegedly committed; and Tyler will be made and ordered to stand or sit by the County Sheriff as the Court may mandate.
Throughout the trial, Tyler will have to appear in Court in person. So, even if the trial is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Tyler will have to appear before the Court. Remember, Tuesdays and Thursdays are official session days of the Legislature.
Can you imagine how diminishing it would be that the Speaker will sitting on a defendant/prisoner’s bench answering questions and defending himself before a Subordinate Judge in the Judiciary, especially during Sessions of the Legislature? Further, how would perform as a Presiding Officer of the House during his trial when he would be in Court?
Let it be made clear that there is no immunity or privileged from arrest and prosecution of any Lawmaker for Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace; and Bribery is 2nd degree felony. Hmmm!!!
“Hint to the Wise”!
Abraham Darius Dillon,
[email protected]
Monrovia, Liberia