NIMBA COUNTY – Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has responded to public reactions following a Gompa City Magisterial Court ruling in the Kalefa Turay Land Dispute that resulted in the eviction of some occupants.

By Franklin Doloquee 

“Fellow Liberians, my attention has been drawn to deliberate attempts by some individuals to inject tribal sentiments into the judgment of the Gompa City Magisterial Court regarding the Kalefa Turay Land Dispute with some squatters,” Chief Justice Gbeisay said.

“I wish to speak directly and clearly to the Liberian people. First, I am not a tribal Chief Justice. I am the Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia. I took a sacred oath before God and this nation, as required by Article 70 of our Constitution, to administer justice without fear or favor and to give equal rights and justice to all persons. The oath did not say justice for one tribe or against another tribe.  It said justice for all,” Chief Justice  Gbeisay noted.

Chief Justice Gbeisay emphasized that his loyalty is to the Constitution and the laws of Liberia, not to any tribe, county or party to a case. Addressing the Gompa City judgment and the eviction, the Chief Justice acknowledged the emotional nature of land disputes.

“Land is identity. Land is livelihood and land is a heritage. I understand the pain and anxiety of all our people in Nimba and particularly in Gompa City. But this is precisely why these cases must be decided in the courtroom on the basis of evidence and law not in the streets, not on social media and certainly not on the basis of tribal sentiments,” he stated.

He  pointed out that no case under his watch “will be decided on tribal affiliation.”

The Chief Justice said he was reliably informed that the Turay Family purchased the disputed property as far back as 1951 under a public land sale deed signed by the late former President William V.S. Tubman.

He added that buildings were constructed on the land and leased to tenants, including the Government of Liberia(GoL) until the civil crisis.

‘‘A court action was filed and judgment rendered in favor of the Toure Family; the ruling was not appealed, but attempts to stop execution of the judgment have been made using tribal sentiment and claims of eminent domain,’’ the Chief Justice asserted.  

 ‘‘Courts base their rulings only on evidence.  A court knows no Kpelle, no Mano, no Gio, no Mandingo, no Bassa or any other tribe. In the Temple of Justice and court rooms in Liberia, there is only one tribe and that tribe is justice,” Chief Justice Gbeisay stated.

The Chief Justice welcomed constructive criticisms but strongly condemned what he called the deliberate weaponization of tribal identity to intimidate the judiciary.

“Attempting to tribalize a land case is to put fire on our national house. Liberia has been down that road before and we all know where it led us. We must not go there again,” he warned.

The Chief Justice reaffirmed his commitment to defend the Constitution and uphold legally rendered judgments throughout the Republic for as long as he serves as Chief Justice.

The statement follows a 30-day jail sentence handed down to former Ganta City Mayor Amos N.G. Suah for remarks he made about the Gompa Magisterial Court during a recent eviction process in Ganta in favor of the Toure Family.

MONROVIA – As a fulfillment of his promise to the people of Nimba County and the Judiciary, Chief Justice His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. expressed happiness over the level of commitment from the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary as Nimba County seated its first Labour Court Judge.

On Monday, August 10, Chief Justice Gbeisay was filled with happiness at the August term opening of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Nimba County.

Speaking during the seating ceremony of its first Labour Court Judge of Nimba County, the Chief Justice said, “I am seated before you today with a heart of pride-as Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia and as a son of Nimba County. It is a special honor to return to my county of origin, not just to visit, but to witness the fulfillment of my dream and promise; that justice must be brought closer to the people.”

The Chief Justice pointed out that, for many years, workers and employers in Nimba County have suffered serious setbacks in labor disputes, and for this reason most of them end up not getting justice because of a crowded docket at the court.

Recognizing the efforts of all hands-on deck, he stated, “With the support of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, we have succeeded in establishing the Nimba County Labour Court, the first of its kind outside Montserrado County. Of course, this is obvious because Nimba County, by our population and development, is justified and certainly entitled to a labour court.”

“This is why upon my taking over of the judiciary, I made it my duty to encourage the legislature to ensure that the labor court is established to give justice to thousands of employees and the employer engaged with Arcelor Mittal Liberia, hundreds of employees and employers at Cocopa Rubber plantation and score of employees and employers at the various business entities in Gompa, Sanniquellie, Tappita, Bahn and  Karnplay Cities all of whom are growing cities recognized by the newly established Local Government Act of the Republic of Liberia.”

The Chief Justice also encouraged the employees of Nimba to use the court wisely and responsively while urging the employers to respect the laws and the rights of their employees.

“A fair workplace is a productive workplace. To the members of Nimba Bar Association, help build the jurisprudence of labor law in our country. To my judiciary family, support this court with your resources and your expertise.”

To the newly seated Judge, he intimated, “Your honor, Tarlo Wehye, the eyes of the people of Nimba are on you; you are not just a judge, you are a pioneer. You will be called to balance the law with compassion, efficiency with due process  and the interest of the employees with the needs of the employer. I charge you to be impartial and knowledgeable of the Labor laws of our land and to be swift, but perhaps most importantly, I charge you to be a judge of integrity and a judge without fear of anyone but the law.  Justice in labour matters; delay is a family that goes hungry.”

Reminding the new Judge, he stated,  “The establishment of a labour court in Nimba County is proof that decentralization of justice is possible and development can reach every county, and our current government has the political will to bring access to justice throughout the length and breadth of this county.”

In his conclusion, he  added, “Finally ,

Your Honor, on behalf of the Supreme Court of Liberia, I welcome you to the bench of honor. May God guide you; may the lord strengthen you and may the employers and employees of Nimba County find justice in your courtroom.”

Ganta, Nimba County – In a heartfelt ceremony recently at the Peace Empire Hotel in Ganta, Nimba County, Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay publicly acknowledged Mrs. Eleanor Suah Badio for her pivotal role in advancing education in his life.

By D Franklin Doloquee

Justice Gbeisay praised Mrs. Badio’s unwavering dedications, highlighting how she alongside a team of tireless advocates, transformed lives by bridging gaps in access to quality schooling for underprivileged children,  including him who is now Chief Justice of Liberia.

According to him, Mrs. Badio, a soft-spoken yet fiercely determined philanthropist in her mid-80s, has helped to impact the lives of many including him.

With a warm smile and steady voice, Justice Gbeisay urged Mrs. Badio to continue embodying the spirit of true humanitarianism.

“God has even greater rewards in store for you,” he said, his words resonating through the ornate hall adorned with Liberia’s national symbols.

“This honor is not an endpoint but a call to keep helping many more people. Your compassion lights the path for our nation’s future,’’ the Chief Justice pointed out.

The audience erupted in applause as Mrs. Badio accepted a plaque etched with words of gratitude, her eyes glistening with emotion.

This recognition underscores Liberia’s growing appreciation for unsung heroes who prioritize education as the cornerstone of progress, inspiring others to join the cause.

Pastor Christian R. W Baker of the Church of the Divine Convenant located in Levittown, Pennsylvania, United States of America, who graced occasions,   delivering a stirring invocation, lent his voice to Chief Justice Gbeisay’s tribute.

He recounted how Madam Badio played a pivotal role in supporting the future jurist’s education during her time in Grand Bassa,  a region she had relocated to from her native Nimba County.

“Madam Badio stepped in when it mattered most, providing guidance, resources and unwavering encouragement that transformed a young man like Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay was a good one,’’ he stated.

Pastor Baker proclaimed, his words resonating through the vibrant crowd.

Extending the Chief Justice’s application of gratitude on her behalf, he urged Madam Badio to “continue being that beacon of humanitarian spirit, for God holds even greater blessings and rewards in store for you.’’

Pastor Baker  reflected on the rarity of such gratitude in today’s world.

“Not many who receive such life-changing opportunities return to honor them,” he said, his tone a mix of admiration and gentle exhortation.

“But only a few, like Chief Justice Gbeisay, do and in doing so, they inspire us all.”

Madam Badio, the beaming honoree dressed in a resplendent lappa and headwrap adorned with Grand Bassa motifs, responded with deep emotion.

Extending her thanks to Chief Justice Gbeisay, she praised the leader’s humility in remembering “the efforts I applied during those formative years,” vowing to persist in her goodwill, Madam Badio pledged.

“I will continue with this good attitude toward people, uplifting communities just as I was uplifted,” she voiced out.   

The ceremony, infused with traditional Liberian songs and communal feasting, underscored the enduring values of reciprocity and service in Grand Bassa’s tight-knit society.

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