MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr. from Bomi County has taken a strong stance against President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to appoint former Justice Minister Cllr. Natu Oswald Tweh as the head of Liberia’s Ministry of National Defense, declaring that he will oppose Tweh’s confirmation if it comes before the Senate.
In a pointed Facebook post, Snowe questioned Tweh’s performance as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, expressing concerns that his new role related to the Armed Forces of Liberia could pose significant institutional and national-security risks.
President Boakai appointed Tweh as Acting Minister of National Defense on Friday, September 11, following the reassignment of retired General Geraldine J. George. This decision came shortly after Tweh was replaced as Justice Minister by Cllr. Betty M. Lamin-Blamo in a wider government reshuffle.
Snowe’s objections extend beyond typical political disagreements, as he accused Tweh of having a “dismal” record in his previous role, which he believes has led to the politicization of Liberia’s justice system.
The Bomi senator pointed out that Tweh did not consistently act as the government’s main legal adviser as expected from the Attorney General, emphasizing that Tweh failed to provide the “prudent, independent, and objective legal counsel” that the President and administration needed. Instead, Snowe argued that Tweh’s time in office was often swayed by political factors.
This evaluation, according to the senator, is now a key reason for his opposition to Tweh taking on the defense role.
Snowe’s most urgent warning focused on the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), which he labeled as one of the nation’s most sensitive institutions, insisting that the military must remain professional, disciplined, and free from political influence, maintaining a strong commitment to its constitutional duties.
For Snowe, the issue goes beyond Tweh’s qualifications as a lawyer or a government official; it’s about whether his past actions instill enough confidence in the public and the Legislature that he can manage an institution where professionalism and political neutrality are vital for national stability.
“Any leadership that risks introducing politics into the military could undermine its professionalism, cohesion, and institutional integrity,” Snowe cautioned, highlighting that such a shift could have dire implications for national security.
Senator Snowe’s remarks add a significant political layer to Tweh’s new role and could be particularly impactful if the administration later seeks legislative approval for the position.
He dismissed the idea that his opposition stems from any personal conflict with Tweh, stressing that his stance is rooted in his evaluation of Tweh’s public service record and his duty as a senator to protect the integrity of Liberia’s national institutions.
“I do not believe Cllr. Tweh’s record as Minister of Justice inspires the confidence necessary for this responsibility,” Snowe stated, while making his position clear: “Accordingly, if his nomination comes before the Senate for confirmation, I will vote against his confirmation.”
This statement sets the stage for what could be a crucial Senate challenge for the Boakai administration, especially if Tweh’s temporary appointment transitions into a permanent nomination.
Tweh’s move to the Defense Ministry follows a dramatic transition within the administration. On September 2, President Boakai announced Tweh’s replacement at the Justice Ministry, appointing Lamin-Blamo as the new Minister of Justice and Cllr. Abrahim Boimah Sillah Sr. as Solicitor General.
The Executive Mansion indicated that Tweh and the outgoing Solicitor General, Augustine Fayiah, would be reassigned to other roles within the government. Following this, Tweh took part in the formal transition at the Justice Ministry, passing on his responsibilities to the new leadership. Lamin-Blamo committed to leading the ministry with integrity, fairness, and impartiality.
Just under two weeks later, Tweh was seen at the Defense Ministry. This swift move has now brought his record back into the spotlight of political scrutiny.
For Snowe, the key issue is no longer just why Tweh was shifted from Justice, but whether a former Attorney General, whose time in office he believes was politically tainted, should be trusted with a position where political neutrality is crucial.
This ongoing controversy places President Boakai in a challenging situation: he must defend his confidence in Tweh while also addressing a senator who is ready to oppose the appointment based on institutional concerns rather than personal ones.
