The last opening address of the Chief Justice of Liberia was disrupted on the solemn occasion due to power failure. The unusual situation left some of the dignitaries including President Joseph N. Boakai uncomfortable, even though the Government of Liberia allotted millions of dollars in the Judiciary budget for the smooth operation. The power failure also disrupted the statements of the Liberia National Bar President, Bornor M. Varmah, who at one point was responding to a call by colleagues telling him to go ahead with his speech, as he ( Varmah) was heard saying ‘I cannot see to read, so how will I continue to read?’ Accordingly, the generator men argued that since Chief Justice Yuoh took over, they wrote to her office several times to buy a new generator because the current one was dilapidated. They said the Chief Justice and the Court Administrator offices are yet to buy a new generator. The opening of the March Term of Court was graced by President Boakai but boycotted by Senate Pro-Temp Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence and the leadership of the House of Representatives. Also, the program was graced by several members of the international and diplomatic corps as well as counselors of the Supreme Court Bar and the Liberian National Bar Association. Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh argued that it’s not the court duty or responsibility to satisfy the limpness of any party that comes before the court, maintaining that their decision and judgement is based on the law and constitution and not sentiment or immorality. She further disclosed that their decision is by examining the facts and circumstance of the cases brought before them, assuring Liberian that they remain resolute in upholding the rule of law regardless of external pressure. The soon to be outgoing Chief Justice further indicated that she and her colleagues have remained steadfast in their role commitment, adding that commitment to their primary duty to hear and decide cases in a fair and impartial manner. Chief Justice, Yuoh also extended sympathy to Liberia over perceived faulty and bias decision rendered in high profile cases, especially political cases. She said that they are aware that their opinions have been met with criticism and bias, especially cases that involved political actors, while extending sympathy to those affected by their decisions and ruling. Delivering what she considered as her last Opening Address of the March Term of Court on Monday, March 10, 2025 in the Supreme Court of Liberia, she said at the Supreme Court level, they are tasked in making difficult and continuous decision in what is wildly referred to as High Profile cases. According to her, they are deeply aware of the far-reaching impact of their ruling as the court of last resort, while noting that they relay on the law and the Constitution of Liberia as final authority and guidance not only for local and foreigner but all conduct of the government and its officials. “We are aware that our opinions have been met with criticism, oftentimes what I considered bias particular in cases where political figure are involved. As we continue this important workout, I extend my deepest sympathy to those who may feel at aggrieved and unsatisfied with our decision. It’s the nature of justice that not all will agreed that it’s the truly Constitutional application of the law that will safe guide the integrity of the judicial system. So, to add a little, I say sorry to those of your who are unpleasant,” she urged. The March Term 2025 official opening of the Supreme Court of Liberia was a center of emotion, as Chief Justice Yuoh delivered what she termed as her last remarks in the capacity of Chief Justice of Liberia. Chief Justice Yuoh, who assumed the role on September 27, 2022, after the retirement of former Chief Francis Korkpor, will officially retire as Chief Justice on June 26, 2025 in line with Article 72 “b” of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia which provides for the retirement at age seventy. Following her retirement, President Joseph N. Boakai will nominate someone to the position, while the Liberian senate will conduct confirmation hearing. However, following the recommendation from the Liberian senate, the person will be appointed and commission by the President and takes over October 10, 2025. “Since my ascendancy to the office of the Chief Justice, my colleagues and I have made a decision to step up our work load in order to reduce the number of cases pending on the docket of the Supreme Court. And we have made successful impact in doing so,” she stated. Chief Justice Yuoh also noted that the record shows that during on March 10, 2022, the total of 41 cases were heard and decisions rendered as it was also done with the October Term of the same year which had 40 cases. “During the March term of court in 2023, we had a total of 50 cases and October of the same year 51 case. Also, in 2024 March Term, we had 47, while in October of the same year we had 76 and all of them were heard with decision rendered. Also, we have taken measure to ensure that the number of bill of information don’t crow our court docket. So, we revenue the merits of each bill of information before insuring writ. With this, we have realized significant reduction in the bill of information from 30 in a term of court to four,” she concluded.
