Prince Yeakehson, a prominent legal expert residing in the United States has filed a formal petition with the Liberian House of Representatives urging them to initiate impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh.
Yeakehson’s petition claims that the Chief Justice’s recent actions signify a gross breach of duty and a serious infringement on the constitutional principles that underpin the judiciary in Liberia.
The controversy centers around Chief Justice Yuoh’s failure to attend the State of the Nation Address presented by President Joseph N. Boakai on January 27, 2025. Yeakehson argues that her absence, which he claims was politically motivated, undermined the rule of law and the judicial neutrality essential for a functioning democracy.
According to Yeakehson, the actions of Chief Justice Yuoh could warrant impeachment under Article 71 of the Liberian Constitution, which stipulates the processes for removing judicial officials due to misconduct, gross breach of duty, or political interference.
The expert highlighted that while the constitution does not explicitly mandate the Chief Justice’s attendance at the State of the Nation Address, longstanding tradition and governmental protocols have established it as a customary duty.
“The Chief Justice’s refusal to attend this critical state function not only disregards constitutional convention but also disrupts the separation of powers that is fundamental to our governance,” Yeakehson explained in his petition.
He contended that by not attending, Yuoh placed herself in a position that compromised the judiciary’s independence and sent a politically charged message that could erode public trust in the judicial system.
Yeakehson further elaborated on the significance of the State of the Nation Address, stating that it represents a crucial moment for inter-branch communication, with attendance by the Chief Justice serving to reinforce the judiciary’s role in governance.
He outlined how her absence could be interpreted as politically motivated, potentially setting a dangerous precedent for judicial officers to engage in political conflicts rather than maintaining impartiality.
The petition invokes several grounds for impeachment, including gross breach of duty, political interference, and an abuse of judicial power. Yeakehson implores the House of Representatives to take action to protect the constitutional order and uphold the judiciary’s integrity.
“With this impeachment petition, I am not only calling for accountability but also advocating for the principles of democracy and rule of law that our nation stands for,” Yeakehson said.
“It is essential for the credibility of the Liberian judicial system that actions perceived as politically motivated are addressed transparently.”
The next steps remain to be seen, as the House of Representatives will need to review the petition and determine whether to proceed with impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice.
