PHOTO: Resident Circuit Judge Boima Kontoe
By J. Peter S. Dennis, dennisrealone@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- The 9th Judicial Circuit Court and the Sexual Offenses Court have officially opened for the November term of Court in the Bong County on Monday, November 14, 2022, with one of the lowest attendance recorded at a court opening here.
Delivering the invocation, Rev. Eward T. Togba took his message to lawyers and magistrates from the Bible scriptures of Exodus 23:6-8 on the theme “Justice for all”, saying that justice isn’t limited. He urged lawyers to rightly dispense justice at all times.
Both Judges Flomo Wennah and Cllr. Boima Kontoe were retained by Her Honor, Sie-A-Nieh G. Youh, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.
According to the Clerk of Court, there are 135 cases in the courts’ dockets.
Of the number, 34 are sexual gender based violence cases, 59 criminal cases, 12 murder cases, 6 armed robbery offenses, and 16 aggravated assaults.
Others are 3 drugs related cases, a human trafficking case, and 4 theft and burglary cases.
Delivering His charge, resident Circuit Judge, Boima Kontoe did a reflection and appreciated God for life, while describing the gathering as legal, as not only the public but members of Bar largely stayed away.
He clarified that only few filed in excuses while the reminding failed to file an excuse thus rendering them absent.
Judge Kontoe didn’t mention imposition of fine on absentee legal people as expected.
“Besides the imposition of fines, it will affect your stance as a lawyer in the county. The Bar Association secretary general’s report to us will reflect this. We are leaders in our county, and should set an example for others to follow. We were admitted to serve,” he stressed.
It’s not clear whether these lawyers and state prosecutors stayed away because of the lingering protestation by public prosecutors across the country in demand of increased salaries and better incentives.
They also want full logistical support and provision of funding to enable them work effectively.
The government lawyers have since vowed not to attend the November Term of Court opening if their concerns aren’t timely addressed by the George Manneh Weah’s government.
Judge Kontoe admonished judges to be committed to the Bong County Bar Association while practicing their legal profession.
He wants them pay dues to enable the bar’s efficiency.
At the same time, Cllr. Boima Kontoe wants the Bong County Bar Association to contribute to the construction of offices.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we want to formally declare this court opened for the November Term of Court. You can now transact with the Court,” Judge Kontoe concluded His charge.
State Prosecutors’ plight highlighted by Bong County Attorney
Responding to the Judge’s charge, Bong’s Attorney Jonathan Flomo hailed the Judge for his deliberation.
Attorney Flomo called for the grievances prompting state prosecutors’ call fo “go slow” action across the country to be addressed by the government.
The Bong County Attorney announced that their plight is before the Justice Minister of Liberia.
According to him, their incentives are low, logistics are lacking, funding is unavailable- a factor he says are impending their operations as public defenders.
Also speaking on behalf of the Defense Team, Attorney Jefferson L. Blackie lauded His Honor Kontoe for His charge and stewardship in the county.
Attorney Blackie further called on the Police to assist in directing traffic to ensure students have easy access to the road while going to school.
Also speaking on behalf of the Bong County Civil Society Organizations (COSs), Mr. George Philip Mulbah called on the government to prioritize every branch of government.
Mulbah wants government regularly pay judicial workers and other employees to enable them cater to other necessities.
Mr. George Philip Mulbah begged the county leadership to avoid distraction in judicial workings.
His comments come from a recent intrusion of Country Devil (Masked Men) in judicial matters in the county.
In August of this year, masked men ransacked the Salala Police Deport and took a prisoner, a police officer, and the Magistrate over a reported missing understanding that triggered the arrest by the Police in the area.
Meanwhile, a proxy of Bong’s Superintendent, Mr. Josephus Dormeyan alleged that some magistrates are working beyond their functions in the county. He didn’t state any instance.