Brief filed in Sierra Leone Supreme Court on constitutionality of VPs sacking

Lawyers representing the now sacked Vice President Samuel Sam Sumana have filed a brief in the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone against the Attorney General, Minister of Justice, and Mr. Victor Foh.

Filed in the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone

“Take Notice that the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone will be moved at expiration of 21 days from the Service of this Notice, or so so thereafter as Counsel can be heard for the following reliefs pursuant to Sections 124 and 127 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone No. 6 of 1991, namely :-

(1) For a determination of the following questions to wit;

(a) Whether the Constitution of Sierra Leone empowers the PRESIDENT “to relieve the Vice-President of his Office and duties” in any way Other than by the procedure set out in Sections 50 and 51 of the said Constitution.

(b) Where the “Supreme executive authority” of the President mentioned in Section 40 (1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone includes the power to “relieve the Vice-President of his Office and duties”, other than by the procedure set out in Sections 50 and 51 of the said Constitution.

If the Answer to the questions above are NO, then the plaintiff will seek the following further reliefs:

(i) For a declaration that the Public Notice announcing that the Vice President had been relieved of his duties and office (Exhibit A herein) is unconstitutional, null and  void, and of no effect.

(ii) For a declaration that the appointment of Victor Bockarie Foh as Vice President of Sierra Leone is also unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.

(iii) For an injunction restraining the said Victor Bockarie For from acting in the Office of the Vice-President of Sierra Leone, pending the hearing and determination of this action.

(iv) For a declaration that the Elected Vice-President of Sierra Leone (the Plaintiff herein) remains in Office as Vice President thereof unless and until removed from Office as required by Section 50 and 51 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone.