(Abuja, Nigeria/Monrovia, Liberia) – Emma Metieh Glassco, the recently suspended Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), has escalated her dispute with the Liberian government by filing a $10 million lawsuit at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, Nigeria. The lawsuit alleges a violation of her fundamental human rights, specifically her “Right to Due Process and an Independent & Fair Trial.”
The legal action follows Glassco’s suspension by President Joseph Boakai, citing allegations of financial improprieties. Subsequently, she was replaced, further fueling her contention that the process was unjust and politically motivated.
In her filing before the ECOWAS Court, Glassco is seeking $10 million in damages for reputational harm, arguing that the government’s actions have severely damaged her standing and professional integrity. In a public statement shared on her Facebook account, Glassco declared her unwavering resolve, stating, “This is a cause I am prepared for,” and pledging to fight for justice not only for herself but also for others facing similar injustices.
The lawsuit underscores a growing tension between Glassco and the Liberian government, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the administrative actions taken against her. The core of her argument centers on the claim that she was denied due process, a fundamental principle of law that ensures individuals are treated fairly by the legal system. She asserts that the government’s actions were arbitrary and lacked the necessary procedural safeguards.
Glassco has retained the services of former Associate Justice Cllr. Kabineh Ja’neh, a prominent legal figure in Liberia, to represent her in the ECOWAS Court. Ja’neh’s involvement adds significant weight to Glassco’s case, given his extensive legal experience and reputation.
The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, established to ensure adherence to the laws and principles of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has jurisdiction over disputes arising from the interpretation and application of ECOWAS treaties and protocols. The court’s decisions are binding on member states, including Liberia.
The Liberian government has yet to issue an official response to Glassco’s lawsuit. The case is expected to draw significant attention, both within Liberia and across the ECOWAS region, as it raises critical questions about governance, due process, and the protection of fundamental rights.
This legal battle highlights the potential for regional judicial mechanisms to provide recourse for individuals who believe their rights have been violated by member states. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for administrative accountability and the rule of law in Liberia
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