Chief Justice, His Honor, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has rejected claims that tribal considerations influenced a recent ruling by the Gompa City Magisterial Court in Nimba County.
Gbeisay reaffirmed the independence of judicial decisions, and that it must be guided by the constitution, laws and evidence.
In a press statement on Wednesday, September 30, which addressed the controversy surrounding the land dispute involving former imprisoned Gompa City Mayor, Amos Nyan Glehbogeay Suah, Chief Justice Gbeisay, declared: “It is his responsibility as head of the judiciary to extend to all Liberians regardless of tribal, or ethnic affiliation.”
He adds: “I am not a tribal Chief Justice. I am the Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia.”
He said, his constitutional oath requires him to administer justice without “fear or favor.”
Gbeisay said, courts are required to determine cases based on evidence, and applicable law rather than tribal sentiments, public pressure, or discussions on social media.
Gbeisay: “I was informed that the Turay family acquired the disputed property in 1951 through a public land sale deed signed by then-President William V.S. Tubman. To that, a previous court judgment in favor of the family was not appealed.”
He cautioned against attempts to frame the dispute along tribal lines, warning that such narratives could undermine national unity, and create pressure on judicial officers performing their constitutional responsibilities.
Gbeisay also reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to apply the law equally, adding: “Court decisions during his tenure would not be based on tribal affiliation, but on the constitution and laws.”
His comments come amid continuing public debate over the Gompa land dispute, and the actions that followed a ruling by the Gompa City Magisterial Court. The underlying property dispute remains subject to the applicable judicial processes, while claims made by parties, and commentators should be distinguished from facts established through court proceedings.
