A group under the banner “Ex-Officials of the Liberian Business Association” (LIBA) has called on James M. Strother to step-down as president of the institution, citing constitutional violations by overstaying in office without elections. Speaking, Friday, June 13, 2025, Madam Emma C. B. Marshall disclosed that Strother is no longer recognized as head of the association and warned that doing business with him in the name of LIBA would be at one’s own risk.
According to her, Strother’s constitutional tenure expired on August 15, 2022, yet he has allegedly refused to hold elections or convene a national convention as required by the organization’s 2007 Constitution. She narrated that the lack of elections and a national convention under Strother’s watch represent a clear breach of the rules governing LIBA and undermines the voice and will of its membership. At the same time, Madam Marshall questioned the legitimacy of the current constitution being used by Mr. Strother, describing it as illegal.
She also explained that several individuals listed as contributors to the document were not aware of the final content. The current LIBA President was also accused of running the institution without a functioning leadership structure, noting that there is currently no active code of officers to guide the affairs of LIBA. “His recent involvement in partisan politics, specifically his decision to contest for Representative in Montserrado County District #4 during the 2023 elections, was also flagged as a violation of the Association’s bylaws,” she added.
According to her, LIBA is a business advocacy body, not a political institution. “Our constitution forbids active involvement of its officials in politics while in office, she added. She said several elected officials of the association were unilaterally suspended by Strother without due process, describing his actions as an abuse of power and a betrayal of the association’s founding principles, noting his failure to host the traditional LIBA Business Quarterly Dinners, which once served as a platform to engage stakeholders and support the association’s operations.
Additionally, Marshall alleged that monthly meetings meant to update members and address their concerns have not been held for more than a year, leaving the body disconnected from the business community. “LIBA, under Mr. Strother, has become dormant, unresponsive, and inconsistent with its core mandate to promote, protect, and empower Liberian businesses,” Marshall emphasized. As part of their resolution, she announced a vote of no confidence in Mr. Strother and called on him to relinquish the presidency to allow a smooth and legitimate transition process.
The announcement, she said, marks a turning point in their efforts to restore credibility and functionality to one of Liberia’s premier business advocacy institutions. Meanwhile, Strother has promised to respond to these allegations later this week.
