By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Liberia’s Solicitor General Syrenius Cephus at the weekend threatened to get even with a clerk at Criminal Court C. over releasing copy of an indictment drawn against Ndaborlor Sengbe and others in a corruption saga, journalists heard.
“I will get even with him”, Cephus said before judicial reporters and Clerk of Court Knowles W. Shain, adding, “I’m the Solicitor General and Chief Prosecutor”.
The issuance of the writ unusually delayed with speculations abounding that Cllr Cephus may have been the man stifling its release. The writ was finally issued Monday June 15, 2020.
The Solicitor General is said to have entered the court’s record room demanding copy of the indictment, a request the Clerk turned down on grounds that Cephus was not a party to the case.
SG Cephus had earlier recused himself after questions of conflict of interest were raised.
Cllr. Kennedy Cautions Judges against Yielding to Public Pressure, Acclamation
In another development, the Judge of one of the 6th Judicial Circuit Civil Law Courts A and B at the Temple of Justice, Kennedy Peabody, has admonished fellow judges to stand firm in the discharge of their duties even in the face of public pressure or approval.
He reminded them that an independent Judiciary is fundamental to the sustenance of peace and democracy in any civilized nation.
Kennedy’s comments are contained in a charge delivered Monday, June 15, 2020, at the opening of the 6th Judicial Circuit and Civil Law Courts A & B at the Temple of Justice.
“In an independent judiciary, the court is the last place of hope and justice. It is in light of this, we are today joining a team of the Judiciary, committed to deciding cases according to the constitution and law of the Republic of Liberia, restoring hope and justice to our people. The court must never be viewed as a partisan institution,” Judge Kennedy is quoted as saying in the charge.
He said Liberia as a nation was at a critical period in its existence, having endured an Ebola pandemic and is now faced with the challenge of combating the COVID-19 outbreak.
Judge Kennedy then urged all compatriots to stand together as one in fighting the pandemic, assuring that by such means, victory against the disease is certain.