SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba – As a new court term begins, the resident judge of the Sexual Offenses Court at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba is warning local officials from interfering with the justice system.
While Judge Musa Sidibey avoided pointing to a specific instance of interference from local authorities, he said it was becoming common for local officials to incite the citizens against the judiciary.
Sidibey delivered his warning in Sanniquellie on August 12, 2024. He said that most of the time when the court attempts to enforce judgments through judicial workers and police officers, local officials interfere.
He called on the county superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono, who was present at the occasion, to take the necessary steps against local officials interfering with the court’s activities, as it could cause a constitutional crisis.
“In order for peace and security to reign in any society, the government must ensure that the rule of law is respected at all levels,” Sidibey said. “Therefore, Madam Superintendent, we want to bring to your attention that some of your local authorities from the Executive Branch are in the constant habit of inciting people against the court.”
Gono, the superintendent, promised to collaborate with the court to address the judge’s interference allegations.
She noted that one of the pillars of Pres. Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda is the rule of law. As superintendent, she said she was committed to working with local officials to see the court as the final constitutional arbiter of justice.
Gono also underscored the need to establish a probate court in the county to resolve the many land dispute cases. She noted that the constitution guarantees all Liberians the right to own, possess, and protect their properties. However, she said this can only be achieved in Nimba if properties are adequately documented through a probate court.
Gono also highlighted the current overcrowding and the appalling conditions of inmates at the Sanniquellie Central Prison.
“We support the rule of law; we support justice, but we also want to let you know that we believe that the decency of a society is its ability to recognize the rights of its most vulnerable citizens,” she said. “I want to work with you to help look at the situation that our legal place can be a place of rehabilitation as well.”
Featured photo by Jerry Myers
