MONROVIA – Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. has called on all Liberians, particularly the People of Nimba County to remain united and respect the rule of Law.
Speaking during the opening of the Supreme Court October Term on Monday, October 12, he said, “I want to use this occasion to call on all Liberians, especially my fellow Citizens in Gompa City, Nimba County, to unite irrespective of tribe or ethnic background. Tribalism destroys national unity and peace, and further triggers violence and war. Liberia has traveled down that road before and we know where it led us. We must not go there again. The Gbeisay’s Bench will enforce all legitimate judgments without fear or favor and irrespective of its consequences.’’
Chief Justice Gbeisay pointed out that the law is blind and the only tribe recognized before a court of competent jurisdiction is Justice. He expanded on the court’s enforcement of judgments, particularly in Montserrado and Nimba Counties.
He said that as the court works to expand access to justice across the country, enforcing court judgments remains a daunting challenge. The Chief Justice pointed to an incident of the court’s final judgment at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in 2018, wherein some members of the Mandingo Ethnic Group in Gompa mobilized and violently obstructed the enforcement of judgment against a member of their tribe.
Speaking further, he said the spokesperson of the group, Mark Jabateh, took to the media and openly declared that he could kill the former Chief Justice, Francis Korkpor, if he had laid eyes on him. “The past government took no action; instead, the present government rewarded him with a ministerial position in government.’’
On the recent incident in Gompa City, he said that, in an effort to enforce the final judgment, the former Gompa City Mayor used tribal sentiment, claiming that Mandingo people have no land rights in that city.
Accordingly, the former Mayor of Gompa City mobilized some members of the Mano and Gio Communities against the court and especially against him as Chief Justice.
“Up to and including today, my family remains under threat and subject to constant attacks. Some individuals have vowed to kill me for allegedly giving their land to Mandingo people.’’
Among other things, he added, ‘‘the Judgments of our courts are based on evidence and the applicable laws. This is the oath I took and continue to hold.”