MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Civil Law Court has issued a writ of possession in favor of Martha Stubblefield Barnard, ordering the eviction of the former ruling party, Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), from its headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia. The disputed property, which has served as the CDC’s headquarters for nearly 20 years, has been at the center of a longstanding lease dispute. The eviction order, dated September 12, 2024, stems from a legal battle over ownership and unpaid sums, despite ongoing negotiations by the CDC to purchase the property.
The conflict dates back to August 2023, when the CDC received notice of an impending eviction. Judge Golda Elliot of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court reaffirmed this on March 7, 2024, with a warrant instructing the court sheriff to remove CDC officials from the property. The writ further directed that if the CDC did not pay the outstanding amount of US$54,000 and LRD$13,000, the defendants’ assets, including party belongings, should be seized and auctioned.
The court’s order involves the estate of the late William Thomas Bernard, represented by several family members, alongside the CDC, through its senior member and Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill. The legal decision followed an ejectment action filed by the estate’s administrator, Ebrima Varney Dempster, on behalf of Martha Stubblefield Barnard. The Supreme Court had previously affirmed the lower court’s ruling, establishing Bernard as the rightful owner of the property.
In response, CDC Acting Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo argued that the eviction notice is invalid, stating that the party has been paying rent to Mr. Dempster, making them lawful tenants. Kowo also revealed that the CDC has filed a “Bill of Information” with the Civil Law Court, seeking a hearing to resolve the situation. He expressed concerns about delays in court proceedings, claiming they infringe on the party’s constitutional rights to due process. Kowo further noted that other legal matters regarding the property are still pending before the Supreme Court.
The CDC has called on the judiciary, the Boakai administration, and the international community to intervene and ensure that their concerns are heard. The party remains hopeful that the courts will offer a fair resolution, allowing them to continue negotiations to purchase the property while maintaining their tenancy. The ongoing dispute underscores the CDC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring peaceful legal proceedings.
As the situation reveals, the CDC has reaffirmed its respect for legal decisions and continues to advocate for judicial fairness and transparency in resolving the property dispute.
