Gerald C Koinyeneh
Africa-Press – Liberia. Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, and several top government officials attended the induction ceremony of Chief Justice Yamie Gbeisay, Associate Justice Boakai Kanneh, and the official opening of the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Their presence comes just days after they notably skipped the retirement of former Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, a decision that drew widespread criticism from legal circles, civil society, and the public.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Chief Justice Gbeisay called for unity within the judiciary and stressed adherence to the rule of law. Observers pointed out the stark contrast between this attendance and the absence of top officials—including President Joseph N. Boakai, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, and Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence—at Youh’s retirement ceremony.
Youh, who reached the constitutionally mandated retirement age of 70, delivered her farewell address during the event. Traditionally, such ceremonies draw leaders from all three branches of government, symbolizing mutual respect and cooperation. At Youh’s retirement, however, top executive and legislative officials—including Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Dean of the Supreme Court Bar—were absent.
Analysts suggest the boycott may have been a response to Youh’s absence from President Boakai’s Annual Message in January amid a tense political impasse in the House of Representatives. Others point to dissatisfaction over controversial rulings during her tenure or see the snub as a display of political muscle and a sign of deepening strain among government branches.
Despite the silence from government officials on their reasons for skipping Youh’s retirement, they gathered the same day at the Executive Mansion to commission Gbeisay and Kanneh. Then on Wednesday, Gbeisay and Kanneh officially resumed their duties as Chief Justice and Associate Justice, of the Supreme Court, respectively. In contrast to Youh’s farewell, Gbeisay’s event was well attended by top Liberian officials, including VP Koung and Speaker Koon.
Public debate and social media commentary have highlighted the symbolic significance of the contrasting attendance. Activist and political commentator Marsin Leader Tarpeh said:
“You did not attend the retirement ceremony of the former Chief Justice only because she stood against your unlawful actions during the House impasse. But today, you’re comfortably seated in the front row with Jeremiah K. Koung Sr. Yamie Gbeisay is a loyalist of Boakai and a member of the Unity Party. Be warned, these lawless and tyrannical actions will not give you power in 2029.”
John Doyou added: “They did that to the former Chief Justice based on prejudice, meanness, selfishness, and heartlessness toward Liberia and its people.”
Meanwhile, Kpadeh Mokambo Freeman defended the officials, saying: “When the Supreme Court bench boycotted the SONA, it was considered great. But when the president and lawmakers boycotted her insignificant retirement program, it becomes a problem.”
Supreme Court Shake-Up
The Supreme Court opening also marked the start of the new legal year, with Chief Justice Gbeisay vowing reforms to address inefficiency, corruption, and malpractice within Liberia’s judiciary.
“Life is a stage, and when you are allowed to serve, you must meet the challenge,” he said, pledging a results-oriented administration: “I intend to talk less and do more.”
Gbeisay noted that some judges believe they are above the law—a practice he says will no longer be tolerated. He lamented lax attendance among magistrates and court staff, emphasizing strict discipline across all courts.
Crackdown on Corruption and Ghost Practices
Chief Justice Gbeisay announced a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, including plans to install CCTV cameras in judicial offices, mandate indemnity bonds for clerks and sheriffs, and enforce accountability for misappropriated funds.
“Any judicial officer who tampers with entrusted funds will be compelled to refund every cent. We will reinforce the Judiciary Inquiry Commission and ensure its recommendations against corrupt judges and lawyers are implemented,” he stated.
He also warned lawyers who use writs to delay cases that such practices will no longer be tolerated.
Fake Land Deeds a Priority Crime
Addressing land disputes, Gbeisay called them a “nightmare” and promised immediate action on fraudulent land conveyances.
“If nothing is done, do not be surprised if someone appears with an ‘original deed’ for the Temple of Justice or even the Executive Mansion. This madness must stop.”
He pledged to work with the Land Authority and National Archives to detect fraud and prioritize criminal conveyance cases.
Performance-Based Judiciary and Autonomy
Gbeisay emphasized that the judiciary will become performance-based, with monitoring by a Counsellor-at-Law responsible for inspecting courts nationwide.
“Friendship or no friendship, those who fail will face appropriate decisions,” he noted.
He also promised to push for higher salaries and full financial autonomy for the judiciary, praising the Financial Autonomy Act while insisting his administration will pursue full independence.
Mandatory refresher training for judges and support staff will be enforced through the Judicial Institute, and Gbeisay warned against poor-quality rulings:
“Judges must read extensively and apply the law properly. Those who fail to articulate facts and issues will be exposed.”
He also challenged government lawyers to match private-sector standards, emphasizing the need for competence and preparation in representing the state.
Source: FrontPageAfrica
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
