Government Urged to Enforce Supreme Court Order to Evict CDC

The administrators of the late Martha Stubblefield Bernard’s estate, led by Mr. Ebrima V. Dempster, are calling on the Liberian government to enforce a Supreme Court order mandating the eviction of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) from its national headquarters, which it has occupied for nearly two decades.

In a press release issued, the estate requested immediate government intervention to uphold the rule of law. “The Intestate Estate of Martha Stubblefield Bernard appeals to the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice and the Liberian National Police, to provide protection for the Sheriff of the Civil Law Court in the eviction of the CDC, in accordance with the Supreme Court's mandate,” the release stated. “Our property symbolizes the legacy of peace, unity, and development that must be preserved.”

Mr. Dempster indicated that the Liberia National Police has failed to provide the necessary support for the repossession. He noted that on August 19, the Civil Law Court contacted the Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory Coleman, for assistance, but no action has been taken.

The administrators urged the CDC to respect the Supreme Court's ruling, asserting that the party has not had a lease agreement since the court’s decision in 2017. Dempster explained that while the CDC initially negotiated to occupy the property for six months following the ruling, they have since ceased communication.

“After six months, I tried to reach out, but I couldn’t get a response. The six months ended three months after the elections, and I had hoped to discuss rent with them,” Dempster stated. Although the CDC made a payment for past arrears, he mentioned that they still owe nearly a year’s worth of rent.

In response, CDC Chairman Jangar Kowo claimed the eviction proceedings are politically motivated and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to legal processes. “We have consistently met our financial obligations to the Bernard family,” Kowo asserted.

Adding to the controversy, Alvin Wesseh, Chair of the CDC’s National Youth League, alleged that the Unity Party-led government is misusing legal avenues against the CDC. “This is a calculated attempt to destabilize our party using the judiciary as a tool, but we are prepared to resist,” he stated.

CDC Secretary General Jefferson Koijee also voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the party’s readiness to defy the eviction. “We will not be moved from our headquarters, and we call on all CDCians and supporters to stand firm against this unwarranted attack on our party,” Koijee declared.