Liberian News: “I’ve come To Honor Your Service”

By Mark N. Mengonfia

Monrovia– President Joseph Boakai has paid homage to Chief Justice, Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh who is poised to reach her retirement age this year.

Speaking at the opening of the March Term of Court, President Boakia said, “Madam Chief Justice, as you today perform your final ceremonies of the opening of the Supreme Court of Liberia as Chief Justice, I have come to honor your service and show the gratitude of the Executive Branch of Government for your commendable stewardship of the Judicial Branch of Government since you took over in 2022.”

The Liberian leader on behalf of the Executive and in his own name said, “I wish you success in this term of court and success in your next sojourn.”

In keeping with Article 72(b), the Chief Justice must retire from office upon reaching the age of 70 though he may remain on the court long enough to render judgment or perform any judicial duties regarding matters he began addressing before reaching that age.

It is based on this constitutional provision that the Liberian Chief Justice said her goodbye to her colleagues at the March 10, 2025 Term of Court opening.

Although the Liberian President and his administration have come under serious criticism for not obeying the laws of the land, but during the opening of the March Term of Court, President Boakia said, “The bedrock of our democracy is a strong and independent judiciary that dispenses justice without fear, favor or delay.”

He furthered, “I call on you to remain steadfast in adhering to these principles for all who will appear before you without discrimination.”

According to him, the rule of law is the third pillar in his ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development stating, “We intend to work with the judiciary in making sure that the requirements and conditions for a fully functioning judiciary are met. We pledge to play our part in ensuring your success.”
President Boakia said that he commit himself the organic principle, and urge the court to continue to commit themselves to this principle as they dispense justice; for this principle is the fulcrum of the effective democratic governance of our country.
He said, “Let your works and the works of the entire Judiciary of the Republic of Liberia be emulation of the works of Chief Justice Samuel Benedict and Chief Justice Grimes, so that posterity will judge you as having served our country and people well. With that, I pray for you and wish you a successful March 2025 Term.”