For bringing lots of embarrassments to the judiciary, the Chief Justice, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has called for the abolition of jury trials.
Gbeisay cited the recent case of Samuel Tweah and others, whose cases were tempered with through the jurors.
“The system is becoming embarrassing to the justice system.”
On the other hand, he called on Liberians in general, and specifically, the People of Nimba County, to remain united and respect the rule of law.
Gbeisay made the statement during the opening of the Supreme Court October Term on Monday, October 12 at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
He added: “I want to use this occasion to call on all Liberians, especially my fellow Nimbaians in Gompa City, to unite irrespective of tribe, or ethnic background.”
Tribalism, Gbeisay said, destroys national unity and peace, and further triggers violence and war.
“Liberia has traveled down that road before, and we know where it led us. We must not go there again.
He assured that the Gbeisay’s Bench will enforce all legitimate judgments from subordinate courts without fear, or favor, and irrespective of its consequences.
He spoke of the law being blind, and the only tribe recognized before a court of competent jurisdiction is “Justice.”
Gbeisay expanded on the court’s enforcement of judgments, particularly in Montserrado and Nimba counties.
He said, as the court works to expand access to justice across the country, enforcing judgments remain a daunting challenge.
Gbeisay pointed to an incident of the court’s final judgment at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in 2018, wherein some members of the Mandingo ethnic group in Gompa mobilized, and violently obstructed the enforcement of judgment against a member of their tribe.
He recalled how the spokesperson of the group, Mark Jabateh, took to the media and openly declared that he could kill the then Chief Justice, Francis Korkpor, if he had laid eyes on him.
“The past government took no action; instead, the present government rewarded him with a ministerial position.”
On the recent incident in Gompa City, Gbeisay also recalled how an effort to enforce the final judgment, former Gompa City Mayor used tribal sentiment: “claiming that Mandingo people have no land rights in that city.”
Accordingly, the former Mayor mobilized some members of the Mano and Gio communities against the court, and especially against him as Chief Justice.
“Up to and including today, my family remains under threat, and subject to constant attacks. Some individuals have vowed to kill me for allegedly giving their land to Mandingo people.”
Among other things, Gbeisay said: “The judgments of our courts are based on evidence, and the applicable laws. This is the oath I took, and continue to hold.”
