By Ben T.C. Brooks
River Gee County | Feb. 10, 2026 | The 15th Judicial Circuit Court of River Gee County officially opened its February Term of Court on Monday under challenging and unusual circumstances, as proceedings commenced without the presiding circuit judge and courtroom plunged into a near darkness.
The opening ceremony was conducted in the absence of Her Honor, Judge Nancy Finda Sammy, the judge assigned to the circuit.
In her stead, Clerk of Court Lorpu K. Togbah presided over the formal opening. As a result, no judicial charge was delivered to signal the start of the 2026 judicial year in the county.
Clerk Togbah explained that Judge Sammy had expressed her willingness to have attended the opening but was unable to do so due to prior official obligations in Lofa County.
Beyond the absence of the presiding judge, the ceremony was further overshadowed by logistical challenges at the courthouse.
The courtroom reportedly lacked functioning light bulbs, forcing attendees to conduct proceedings with limited visibility.
A generator was on for power but with only a single standing fan, highlighting the severe shortage of basic facilities required for effective judicial remarkable statements for the opening.
Despite these constraints, county officials and justice sector stakeholders used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law in River Gee County.
Speaking on behalf of the River Gee Bar Association, its President, Cllr. Denise Saychee Sokan, formally welcomed the newly assigned County Attorney, Cllr. Daniel T.K. Dweh Sr., who assumed office following his appointment in late 2025.
She expressed optimism about his leadership and pledged the Bar Association’s support toward fostering professionalism and collaboration within the county’s justice system.
However, Cllr. Sokan raised serious concerns about persistent vacancies within River Gee County’s judicial system, particularly at the magisterial court level.
She disclosed that several magisterial courts across the county currently lack magistrates and clerks, a situation she described as detrimental to the effective administration of justice.
Referencing the River Gbeh and Chedepo Jarkaken Magisterial Courts, Cllr. Sokan noted that while she does not possess appointment authority, she remains committed to working alongside the River Gee Legislative Caucus and relevant judicial stakeholders to advocate for the timely filling of these critical vacancies.
She also cautioned judicial personnel against placing personal interests above public service, reminding court officers of their responsibility to uphold human dignity and protect the sanctity of life.
“The judiciary is not a place for making money,” Cllr. Sokan emphasized. “It is where people come to seek justice, and the decisions made here can determine the destiny of a person’s life.”
Also delivering remarks, River Gee County Public Defender, Cllr. Amos B. Nyenatoh, also welcomed the County Attorney, Cllr. Dweh and expressed confidence in his leadership.
He stressed that coordination, collaboration, and cooperation among justice sector actors are essential to maintaining a stable and effective legal environment in the county.
In his response, County Attorney Dweh pledged his office’s full cooperation with the judiciary, local authorities, residents, and the joint security apparatus in River Gee County.
He assured the public of his commitment to timely, transparent, and impartial prosecution of cases.
“Our responsibility is to uphold the rule of law and to support the judiciary in delivering justice without fear or favor,” Cllr. Dweh stated.
Representing River Gee County Superintendent Milk Tarpeh Swengbe, County Administrator Alexander S. Dennis welcomed all newly assigned judicial officials, including magistrates and the county attorney.
He urged them to take a firm stance against the growing prevalence of illegal drug activities in the county and to ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially.
Dennis further cautioned against wrongful prosecutions, emphasizing that the courts must always act in the best interest of the people and remain free from personal or political influence.
The 15th Judicial Circuit Court is expected to hear six criminal cases and two civil matters during the February Term of Court.
Meanwhile, several residents who attended the opening expressed optimism about the appointment of the new County Attorney, noting that his arrival has renewed public hope for greater transparency, fairness, and strengthened confidence in River Gee County’s justice system.
