Monrovia – Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor says the Supreme Court has taken steps to protect the property right of citizens and has therefore warned judges of the lower courts to handle property matters with extreme care and give all litigants very opportunity to appear and defend their property rights.
Speaking during the opening of the March of Term Court on Monday, Chief Justice Korkpor said the Court’s attention has been drawn to the multiple sale of land in the country.
“Liberian laws also forbid selling a parcel of land to more than one person or entity.
These clear and unambiguous provisions of our law, notwithstanding, criminal conveyance of land is at alarming proportions in our society today such that if decisive actions are not taken now, this may undermine peace and national security,” Chief Justice Korkpor noted.
Referencing Sarah C. Kennedy and Catherine Johnson-Whisnant Vs. Ishmael B. Goodridge and Hilton, 33LLR 398 (1985), Chief Justice Korkpor noted that “By these holding, this court recognizes that the real property is indispensable to the existence, dignity and liberty of every citizens of this nation.
But the efforts by this court and our trial courts to protect property rights are being seriously undermined and rendered futile by the illegal sale and/or occupation of land by unscrupulous citizens, which act, in a number of cases, have resulted into violence and death.”
Again referencing the Republic of Liberia vs. Roland Kaine trial, Chief Justice Korkpor noted, “Example of the illegal sale and occupation of private lands in Montserrado County are causing problems for our trial judges as they attempt to uphold and ensure the rights of lawful lands owners by repossessing them.”
Chief Justice Korkpor said reports from the 6th Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, indicate that the Writs of Injunction have been flagrantly violated, at the same time mandate from Supreme Court have been resisted violently, thereby preventing the execution of the high court’s mandate.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Frederick Cherue who was also at the opening ceremony commended the Court for its coordination among the branches of Government.
“Land is a factor of conflict so we all must work together in stopping such conflict as Liberia draws to election,” Cllr. Cherue asserted.
At the same time, Liberia National Bar Association President Moses Paegar said if criminal conveyance is left uncheck, such will undermine the security of the state.
The opening of the March Term of Court was graced by the presence of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President Pro-Tempore Armah Zolu Jallah, members of the House of Representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.