By: Shallon S. Gonlor
SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA COUNTY – Supreme of Liberia Associate Justice, Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay has frowned on magistrates in Nimba County for alleged unethical practices in the discharge of fair and impartial justice.
In remarks, Justice Gbeisay warned magistrates to be professional in the dispensation of justice, adding that the court is the last place of hope for mankind on earth.
He made the call on Monday during the formal opening of the May Term of Court at the 8th Judicial Circuit complex in Sanniquellie City.
According to the Associate Justice, reports reaching him alarmed malpractices in magisterial courts of Nimba County, thus destroying the good image of the judicial system of Liberia.
He however threatened drastic actions against magistrates allegedly involved in compromising justice in Nimba with emphasis on the Karnplay Magisterial Court.
With this, judicial actors mainly magistrates of Karnplay Magisterial Court and others in parts of the county have come under serious criticism, falling into hot water of expulsion, and suspension by Associate Justice Gbeisay commonly known as ‘No nonsense judge’.
In the same vein, Nimba County 8th Judicial Circuit Judge, Pape Suah has urged citizens and judicial in the county to respect democracy, the rule of law, and ensure peace stability.
Judge Suah also called on residents of Nimba to uphold the rule of law and adhere to the values and principles of the judicial system.
Delivering his charge, the esteemed judge said the judiciary is underpinned by values and principles, including respect for the rule of law, and promoting democracy and peace.
In a passionate and well-received charge, Judge Suah urged Nimbaians and legal lawyers to uphold democracy and the rule of law to attract more investors to the county.
He further wants the people of Nimba to recognize and respect the need for a judicial order, saying lawless acts and abuse of human rights should be discouraged in the county, especially in the face of challenges like rape, murder, and other commission of hindered crimes.
He also warned that the ugly trend of citizens committing crimes is causing threats to peace, security, and stability, and engendering poverty, driving away investment.
He said this ugly trend has only succeeded in threatening the peace, security, and stability of the county and by extension across Liberia, leaving in its trail poverty, internally displaced persons, and humanitarian crisis.
Judge Pape Suah also issued a singular challenge to leaders of the bar association representing hundreds of thousands of attorneys in the county.
According to him, lawyers are both uniquely responsible and obligated to stand up for the judiciary, democracy, peace, and the rule of law.
The 8th Judicial Circuit Judge reiterated that his focus in the county is to dispense justice without fear or favor.
He noted that all judicial actors including magistrates, judges, and lawyers should perform their duties ethically.
The circuit judge indicated that the court over the years has recorded 89 criminal cases, adding that the court has not done much to try cases during the November and February Terms respectively.
He however said the May Term criminal case docket is huge, stressing the need to do much this time if those cases docked must be reduced and to give justice to those in need.
