Commendation and Observations on the Credential Audit of the Judiciary of Liberia

By: Cllr. Elisha T. J.  Forkeyoh (Secretary General, Liberia National Bar)

I wish to sincerely commend His Honor Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., and the Supreme Court of Liberia for the bold, decisive, and prudent administrative step taken in commissioning a credential audit of the Judiciary. This is without doubt a right step in the right direction toward repositioning and strengthening the structural and administrative framework of the judicial system of our dear country, Liberia.

The Judiciary, being one of the three co-equal branches of government, is the integrity arm of state, vested with the authority to interpret laws and administer justice.

Its credibility must therefore be above reproach. This action by the Chief Justice demonstrates both visionary leadership and a firm commitment to transparency and accountability. It gives the Liberian people renewed optimism that the courts can and will be reformed into an institution worthy of public trust.

The Importance of the Credential Audit

The commissioning of a credential audit within the Judiciary is significant for several reasons:

1. Restoring Public Confidence: It assures the Liberian public that those who sit in judgment over citizens’ lives, liberties, and properties are properly qualified.
2. Ensuring Professional Standards: It safeguards the integrity of the bench and bar by ensuring that only competent, duly credentialed individuals serve in the judiciary.
3. Institutional Accountability: It holds all judicial staff, from clerks to senior officials, to the same standards of honesty and verifiable qualification.
4. Sustainable Reform: It lays a foundation for long-term structural reform, ensuring that the Judiciary evolves into a merit-based institution.

Call for Extension to Include Biodata Audit

While the credential audit is commendable, I most respectfully request that the mandate be extended to include a biodata audit of judges and magistrates.

Rationale:

• There have been public concerns regarding possible manipulation of ages by certain judicial staff, including judges and magistrates, in an attempt to circumvent the constitutional retirement requirement at seventy (70) years.
• If proven true, such acts amount to a direct violation of the Constitution. It would also represent an egregious betrayal of public trust.
• A comparative analysis between records held at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, the Ministry of Foriegn Affairs, the Judiciary, and the Civil Service Agency will provide clarity, transparency, and assurance to the public.

This step will not only validate the authenticity of the credentials but also confirm the personal integrity of judicial officers.

Comprehensive Analysis

• Credentials vs. Biodata: While credential verification ensures that an officer holds legitimate academic and professional qualifications, a biodata audit addresses the issue of identity, age, and personal information integrity. Both must go hand in hand to guarantee a trustworthy judicial system.
• Public Concerns and Trust: Rumors and allegations of falsification of ages, if left unchecked, can erode confidence in the courts. A judiciary shrouded in suspicion cannot command the moral authority to dispense justice fairly.
• Constitutional Compliance: The Constitution of Liberia mandates retirement at 70 years for judges. Any effort to evade this requirement by falsifying records is not only illegal but also a disgrace to the sacred oath of office.
• Deterrence: A comprehensive audit that combines credentials and biodata will serve as a deterrent against future attempts at fraud, setting a high standard for public office holders in Liberia.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Judiciary must remain an integrity institution. It must not be perceived, even remotely, as compromised or deficient in credibility. For Liberia’s democracy and justice system to thrive, the bench must take decisive actions in these directions.

Therefore:

1. I commend His Honor Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., for initiating the credential audit.
2. I recommend that the mandate be expanded to include a biodata audit, focusing on age verification, identity validation, and alignment with law school and Civil Service Agency records.
3. I further urge that any person, whether judge, magistrate, or staff, found guilty of falsification or misrepresentation be shamed, named, and weeded out of the judiciary.

This is not a call for witch-hunting, but rather a sincere plea for integrity, credibility, and institutional honor. Only then can our judiciary truly become the beacon of justice and fairness that our Constitution envisions and our people deserve.