By Yassah J. Wright
Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Assigned Circuit Court, Judge J. Kennedy Peabody, has delivered a sharp rebuke of nepotism, tribal favoritism, and abuse of public office against Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay.
Peabody’s statement seems to be a direct challenge to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration in general, and particularly against Chief Justice Gbeisay.
He made the statement on Monday during the opening of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Zwedru, Grand Geeh County.
Judge Peabody warned that public institutions must never become private property of government officials, or their families.
His remarks come amid growing controversy over Gbeisay’s admission that he recommended his son, Willeyon Gbeisay, for appointment as Associate Magistrate at the Paynesville Magisterial Court. Though the appointment was later withdrawn, Peabody, without directly naming the Chief Justice, argued that nepotism is a constitutional concern, citing Article 5(c) of the constitution, which calls for the elimination of sectionalism, tribalism, nepotism, and other abuses of power.
“Public office is a sacred trust, not personal property.” Peabody warned that government positions must be awarded based on merit, competence, and equal opportunity rather than family connections, or tribal affiliations. He further cautioned that leaders, who publicly condemn corruption must also examine their own conduct to ensure they are not practicing favoritism behind closed doors. “A nation cannot defeat corruption when those who condemned it publicly practiced favoritism, nepotism, tribal exclusion, and abuse of authority in privacy.”
Peabody also questioned how democracy can survive when qualified citizens are denied opportunities while relatives, and associates of powerful officials receive preferential treatment?
His comments have added fresh pressure to the controversy surrounding Gbeisay, with the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) calling on members of the 55th Legislature to consider sanctions over the alleged violation of the National Code of Conduct by some (appointed) officials. Although Willeyon Gbeisay’s withdrawal ended the controversial appointment, questions remain about accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of public officials.
Judge Peabody’s message was unmistakable: “no individual, family, tribe, or political institution owns the Liberian state.”
