Image TV

By: David Arbar Sewarlu
0886632525/0775954545
Email: dsewarlu@gmil.com

Voinjama, Lofa County – Chief Justice Yormie Gbeisay has publicly responded to criticisms from some trial judges over the appointment of his son as an Associate Magistrate, describing their concerns as unfounded and “deeply disappointing.”

Speaking at a gathering with judges in Lofa County, Chief Justice Gbeisay defended both the President’s decision and his recommendation of his son, who is currently a student at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.

“When it comes to the Associate Magistrate, there is nothing in the law that says the President cannot appoint one. My son is of age, he is in law school. I recommended him to the President, and if the President saw it fit to nominate him, I see nothing wrong with that,” Gbeisay stated.

The Chief Justice further argued that appointing law students to government positions is not without precedent and emphasized that his son, like any Liberian, has the right to serve.

“If you the trial judges’ head can serve in government, your husband can serve in government, and your brother-in-law can serve in government, then what is wrong with my son serving in government? My son has done nothing wrong, and the President has done nothing wrong,” he added.

Gbeisay went as far as issuing a challenge to the judiciary:

“If the trial judges can show me any law that says the President of Liberia cannot appoint an Associate Magistrate who is not a lawyer, I will resign my post.”

The Chief Justice expressed disappointment in the trial judges, insisting that professional concerns should have been addressed privately rather than in public.

The controversy comes amid growing debates about judicial appointments, nepotism, and qualifications for magistrates within Liberia’s justice system.