The National Civil Society Union of Liberia (NACSUL) has come in defense of President George M. Weah’s nominated Associate Justice, Judge Yormie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., and at the same time rubbished former Minister Brownie Samukai’s assertion that the nominee is one of those corrupting the judicial system.
During the Senate confirmation hearing of the Associate Justice-designate, Samukai called on the Senators to reject President George M. Weah’s nominee on ground that he lacks integrity, morals and independence to sit on the Supreme Court Bench.
However, in a press statement issued on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, NACSUL accused the former minister of seizing the occasion to vent his anger on Judge Gbeisay for being denied Lofa County’s senatorial seat. “Let it be made emphatically clear that Brownie Samukai is fully responsible for all that has happened to him; as such, he should not transfer his aggression to a judge who only presided over the case and handed down a verdict based on the merits of the case,” NACSUL said in the press release.
According to the civil society group, “Samukai does not have the moral rectitude to question the integrity of Judge Gbeisay, who has served his country with dedication and commitment over the years.”
The group condemned the verbal attack on the astute statesman, and urged Samukai to blame himself for eating the AFL soldiers’ pension fund.
Investigation conducted by NACSUL revealed that Judge Gbeisay meets all the qualification and requirement to serve as an Associate Justice and, therefore, should not be denied for claims made by a convicted felon who has no basis to make any such claim.
The group’s investigation noted that Judge Gbeisay served as a classroom teacher for the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) from 1984 to 1989. “From 1989 to 1990, Gbeisay served as Research Analyst at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 1996—1999, he served as Director for Claims and Benefits at the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). He later served as Legal Counsel of the Ministry of Labor from 2001 to 2003, and Legal Counsel of the National Elections Commission (NEC) from 2003 to 2005.
“From 2005 to 2009, Gbeisay served as Managing Partner of the Tiala Law Associates, and Senior Executive Service (legal consultant) of the Ministry of Justice from 2009 to 2014. From 2015 to present, he has been serving as a Relieving Judge,” NACSUL’s investigation revealed.
The group also disclosed that Judge Gbeisay is a graduate of the Kakata Rural Teacher Training Institute (KRTTI), holds a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Liberia (UL), and is a graduate of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
NACSUL said, based on his qualification and experience, Judge Gbeisay is best suited for the job, thanking President Weah for his farsightedness in nominating him to the position. The group called on the Liberian Senate to swiftly consider confirming Judge Gbeisay upon their return in October.
The group said Judge Gbeisay’s presentation at the Liberian Senate confirms his ability to serve on the Supreme Court Bench, and urged the Senate Committee on Judiciary to ensure that the right decision is made in the interest of the justice system of the country by confirming the Associate Justice-designate to the position.