Boakai's ‘Know The Judge’ Remark Draws Criticism

MONROVIA, LIBERIA- President Joseph Boakai is facing criticism over a recent remark about the relationship between lawyers and judges, with opposition figures and a prominent human rights lawyer questioning the message the statement could send about judicial independence and professional ethics.

By: Contributing Writer, Melvin Vakum

President Boakai reportedly made the remark during a sideline engagement in Washington, D.C., in connection with the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The comment centered on the saying that a “good lawyer knows the law, but a smart lawyer knows the judge.”

Former Assistant Minister of Agriculture Alvin Wesseh has strongly criticized the President’s statement, describing it as an endorsement of practices that could undermine the credibility of the judiciary.

Speaking Wednesday at the temporary headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change in Monrovia, Wesseh said the President’s remark could create the impression that personal relationships with judges are important in determining court cases.

“The CDC believes that the statement made by President Boakai that good lawyer knows the law and smart lawyer knows the judge is a classic endorsement of public corruption in the judiciary,” Wesseh said.

Wesseh argued that judicial decisions should be based on professionalism, evidence and the rule of law rather than familiarity between lawyers and judges.

He further maintained that statements of such nature from the country’s highest office could undermine confidence in the independence of the judiciary and send the wrong message to legal practitioners.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer and former presidential candidate Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has also expressed dissatisfaction with the President’s remark.

Gongloe said the comment was inappropriate for a president, given the responsibility of the office to uphold public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.

“If I were President of this country, I would never, never make the joke that President Boakai did,” Gongloe said.

He urged legal practitioners not to interpret the President’s statement as guidance for their professional conduct.

Gongloe instead encouraged lawyers to know the law, master legal procedures and uphold professional ethics in their dealings with the courts.

The controversy comes amid broader discussions about judicial independence, legal ethics and public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.

Separately, Wesseh raised questions about Liberia’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly.

He alleged that two delegates who accompanied President Boakai to the UN General Assembly have gone missing, although he did not provide details to substantiate the claim.

Wesseh also alleged that more than US$375,000 was withdrawn from state funds to support the President’s trip, questioning the expenditure amid what he described as growing poverty and unemployment.

The allegations concerning the delegates and government spending were made by Wesseh and require independent verification.