Monrovia – The President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), Cllr. Philomena Williams, has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to appoint a female Chief Justice to replace the outgoing Chief Justice, urging him to match his commitment to the ARREST agenda with decisive action under the rule of law.
Speaking at the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) Assembly, Cllr. Williams delivered a stirring message centered on the theme: “The LNBA and the Fight Against Corruption – Strengthening Accountability in the Judicial Sector.” She emphasized that judicial actors bear a critical responsibility in confronting corruption and promoting transparency within the justice system.
Cllr. Williams stressed that beyond external enforcement, the Bar Association must adopt a compliance-based internal framework that reinforces ethical standards and demands accountability from within. “For us to be effective as anti-corruption advocates, we must first set the tone internally. The bar must lead by example,” she said.
Underscoring the rule of law as the cornerstone of accountability, she reminded her legal colleagues that no one, whether from the Legislative, Executive, or Judiciary, is above the law. “Let us be very clear. We are all subject to the law,” she declared. She challenged her peers to guard their independence, preserve their professional integrity, and uphold the honor of the courts. “Good lawyers we were made, and great lawyers we must remain without fear or favor,” she charged.
Commending the Supreme Court under the leadership of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, Cllr. Williams praised the bench for taking bold steps to sanction lawyers, magistrates, and judges found guilty of unethical behavior. According to her, the Court’s firm stance has helped reinforce internal accountability and restore public confidence in the judiciary. “You have made the point that effecting accountability in the judicial sector is crucial for maintaining public trust in the justice system,” she stated.
While recognizing Chief Justice Yuoh’s strong and principled leadership in upholding the Constitution and laws of Liberia, the AFELL President urged continuity of that legacy through the appointment of another qualified woman to lead the judiciary. “If the President truly believes in his ARREST agenda and is determined to fulfill the rule of law component, he must appoint a female Chief Justice and a female Associate Justice,” she said.
Cllr. Williams also called on the leadership of the Bar Association to rise to the occasion by championing progressive reforms and supporting the government’s efforts to build a more accountable and inclusive justice system.
