NEW JUDICIAL COMPLEX DEDICATED IN NIMBA COUNTY
NEW JUDICIAL COMPLEX DEDICATED IN NIMBA COUNTY
The government of the Republic of Liberia, through the Judiciary Branch, on Saturday September 2, dedicated a newly constructed Judicial Complex housing the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court and other Specialized and Magistrate Courts in Sanniquellie, Nimba County.
Speaking during the dedication ceremony, His Honor Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, said the Judiciary was exceedingly delighted in dedicating the beautiful complex which will afford Judges, staff of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in the rule of law sector the opportunity to work in an improved environment that should enhance their productivity.
Justice Korkpor stressed that, the availability of many courts and offices in one central location will make it easy for party litigants to come to the court of their choice, making it easy for judicial actors to coordinate activities for the dispensation of cases and also provide easy access to justice as contemplated by the law. He further said the ultimate intend is to ensure speedy and quality service in the dispensation of justice.
The Judicial Complex houses the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, Debt Court, Traffic Court, Tax Court, Revenue Court and the Magistrate Court; including offices for the County Attorney, Public Defender, and the City Solicitor. There is also accommodation for the Petty Jury and Grand Jury; which include separate section for male and female Jurors.
Also on the compound is a separate structure that houses Criminal Court “E’ which deals with Sexual Gender Based Violence cases, mostly rape cases. There is also a separate structure that serves as living quarters for the Resident Circuit Judge for the county as well as residence for Judges who will be assigned to that Circuit from time to time.
Speaking further the Chief Justice noted that the facility will promote the concept of judicial independence because it is time that the Judiciary as an independent branch of government is housed in its own facilities throughout the country, conducive for work and free from outside influence.
The Chief Justice assured all Liberians and foreign residents within our borders that the Rule of Law will remain paramount in all proceedings, saying “the Judiciary will remain fair and transparent in deciding cases in line with law”. He advised all aggrieved parties to take their cases to court in order to be treated fairly.
Further stressing that the Judiciary should be left alone in doing its work, especially during this critical time of election.
Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, thanked the Judiciary for the level of transformation achieved over the years, initiated by the late Chief Justice, His Honor Johnnie Lewis and further pursued by the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia. She noted that when they embarked upon the journey of political governance of the nation, they recognized that a lot of things had to be done to enhance the quality of justice, and improve the delivery of justice throughout the country and that these were some of the steps being taken to advance that cause within the economic and resource constraints of the nation.
The President commended the Chief Justice and the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court for their commitment in ensuring the completion of the project in time. She highlighted that the government was very pleased with the completion of the complex and that the quality represent strong commitment, nationalism and patriotism.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials and heads of international and national institutions including Justice Minister, Cllr. Frederick Cherue, Nimba County Superintendent, Dorr Cooper, the Deputy SRSG for Rule of Law, Wladimar Very, the President and members of the Liberian National Bar Association, the President and members, Nimba County Bar Association, judges and citizens of Nimba County.
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