The fight against graft in Liberia can only be effective if the country’s judiciary is involved, says President Joseph Boakai in a statement attributed to him on Tuesday.
The Liberian leader was speaking upon the invitation by Chief Justice, Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh on Monday to deliver remarks at the formal opening of the March 2025 term of the country’s Supreme Court.
The event, held at the Temple of Justice, was attended by the Chief Justice, Associate Justices, members of the National Legislature, judges and magistrates.
President Boakai while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the rule of law, emphasised the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary as the cornerstone of a new Liberia where sanity in government prevails.
He urged the Justices of the Supreme Court to continue dispensing justice “without fear, favour, or delay” in line with the principles enshrined in the Liberian constitution.
President Boakai 80, came to power vowing to stamp out corruption and introduce transparency in government.
He said his administration expects the judiciary to play a pivotal role in dealing with cases emanating from corruption which his predecessor George Weah’s government was accused of presiding over.
He said the rule of law remains a key pillar of his administration’s Agenda for Inclusive Development, pledging continued collaboration with the judiciary to ensure an effective and well-functioning legal system.
Highlighting Liberia’s rich judicial history, President Boakai reflected on the contributions of former Chief Justices, including Samuel Benedict, Liberia’s first Chief Justice, whose rulings helped shape the nation’s jurisprudence.
He also cited former Chief Justice Louis Arthur Grimes, who successfully defended Liberia’s sovereignty at the League of Nations as Attorney General before becoming Chief Justice.
He called on the Judiciary to uphold the legal traditions that have sustained Liberia’s democratic governance for more than a century.
Concluding his address, the President extended best wishes to the Supreme Court for a successful March 2025 Term and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the constitutional principle of separate but equal branches of government.
WN/as/APA