Former Finance and Development Planning Minister, Samuel D. Tweah, Jr. has accused Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung of directing Criminal Court ‘C’ Judge, Ousmane Feika to overturn a jury’s verdict that acquitted him. Mr. Koung and Judge Feika are yet to speak to the allegations. Tweah described VP Koung reported move as “political interference into judicial matter.”
He has meanwhile vowed to outrightly reject any pending verdict against him as a “freedom fighter.” In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, Tweah claimed that Judge Feika had been instructed to set aside the acquittal based on “bogus and spurious” allegations of jury misconduct, despite finding no evidence that linked him, or his legal team to any wrongdoings.
Tweah further alleged that the government had been divided for weeks over the matter, claiming that some government officials, and Supreme Court justices opposed overturning the jury’s verdict.
He warned that such a move would undermine the independence of the judiciary, and fuel perceptions of selective justice.
Tweah accused VP Koung of judicial infringement, which he said, could not secure future electoral political victory for him.
He said, securing future votes was important nowadays to Koung than protecting the rule of law.
Tweah also spoke of intelligence reports, which he said, indicated that a final decision was delivered to Judge Feika ahead of the set proceeding, because government had earlier consulted and assessed national security implication.
“The jury’s verdict had already settled the matter. By that, I am a free man.”
Tweah meanwhile, declared that Judge Feika’s only lawful option in the case was to issue his certificate of acquittal.
“If he refuses, I will submit to no bogus political trial in violation of my constitutional rights.”
He added: “While the government sought to brand me a criminal, I am prepared to become a freedom fighter.”
Tweah also warned against a growing political interference in the judicial system.
He argued that the country had moved beyond the era of autocratic governance where political leaders dictated judicial outcomes.
He further challenged Judge Feika, and Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay to resist political pressure.
He also accused the government of targeting him for political reasons.
Tweah therefore calls against “judicial manipulation, and tyranny.”
His allegations have not been independently verified, nor has VP Koung, the judiciary have publicly responded at the time of publication late last night.
