A journalist and researcher, D. Abdallah Sherif, has come in firm defense of the Constitutional wisdom of the Chief Justice-designate, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, and at the same time thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for nominating him as Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia. Sherif underscored that the nomination is not only judicious but represents a commitment to legal integrity and thoughtful leadership at a time when the nation’s democracy demands both.
According to Sherif, Justice Gbeisay exemplifies the ideals of a modern, principled Chief Justice, observing that he upholds the rule of law with clarity and courage; defends the separation of powers; champions procedural fairness and judicial restraint; places national interest and Constitutional order above political influence; and views the Judiciary as a servant of the people not an instrument of political convenience.
He emphasized that President Boakai’s decision to appoint Justice Gbeisay as Chief Justice reflects not only wisdom but a deep understanding of Liberia’s Constitutional fabric. “By nominating Justice Gbeisay, the President has signaled that judicial independence, not political expediency, must guide the future of the Supreme Court,” Sherif maintained. “We look forward with hope that the Liberian Senate will act swiftly to confirm this nomination and ensure a seamless and dignified transition in the nation’s highest court.”
The journalist and researcher described Justice Gbeisay as a judicial voice of Constitutional wisdom, a voice of reason, and a model of independence who avoids Constitutional crisis.
Reflecting on the recent House impasse case, in which Justice Gbeisay gave a descending opinion, Sherif said then Associate Justice stood not in opposition to justice, but in defense of it, as his dissent emphasized that determining who presides over legislative sessions is a “quintessential political question” reserved exclusively for the Legislature under Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution.
“Justice Gbeisay’s dissent was more than a legal analysis; it was a civic education underscoring the limits of judicial power and reaffirming the principle that co-equal branches of government must govern themselves,” he added.
He however pointed out that he is not a lawyer and do not claim to be one, but that his views are based on research and Constitutional interpretation, not formal legal advice. “I write as a Liberian journalist and independent researcher committed to public discourse, good governance, and the rule of law. The views expressed herein are based on research and Constitutional interpretation, not formal legal advice,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, D. Abdallah Sherif has congratulated Justice Gbeisay for his preferment as Chief Justice by President Boakai, and urged that his stewardship of the Supreme Court usher in a new era of impartiality, equity, and democratic resilience.
