“Show me a law that says President cannot appoint a person who’s a non-lawyer as Associate Magistrate. If Judge Sammy shows me that law, I will resign from my position.”
Chief Justice, His Honor, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has sharply hit back at his critics, who continue to accuse him of “nepotism” following the appointment of his son, Willeyon Y. Gbeisay, as Associate Magistrate. With specific reference to the National Trial Judges Association of Liberia’s (NTJL) condemnation of Chief Justice Gbeisay for recommending his son to the President for the appointment, Justice Gbeisay said the NTJL accusation has no legal basis, but acting on opinions.
He added that the association should provide a legal basis of its argument instead of suggesting that his son’s appointment is an act of “nepotism and is illegal.”
Gbeisay maintained that despite his portfolio, his son as a law student, has the right to be appointed in government, and provide services to his country.
Justice Gbeisay explained that his son’s recommendation was also never on the basis of favoritism, but a complete reflection of his capable and eagerness for public service.
He argued that the law does not disqualify his son on the basis of relationship, nor forbid him as Chief Justice his right to make recommendations to the President for appointment.
Chief Justice Gbeisay has vehemently defied the NTJL to produce legal authority, including constitutional or administrative statutory that has illegitimated the recommendation, and subsequent appointment of his son.
He added that until the association provides these legal tools to show his action was unlawful, their concerns remain a “complete speculation and unfounded.”
Justice Gbeisay has reminded the association that the judiciary must act on the basis of law, and not insinuation.
He spoke over the weekend at the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Lofa County during the inspection of the proposed Judicial Complex Site.
The ceremony coincided with his nationwide tour of court facilities across the country.
Gbeisay made the statement in the presence of the Association President Nancy Sammy, who read the group’s petition against the appointment. Judge Sammy is also the Resident Circuit Judge.
Recently, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, appointed several Judges and magistrates, including other judicial actors, following recommendations from Chief Justice Gbeisay. Those appointed included his son, sparked serious public debate with some describing it as an “absolute nepotism.”
Noted among the critics was a high-profile Judges association under the banner National Association of Trial Judges.
The group condemned the appointment, and added that it was absolutely unfair, and was an act of nepotism.