VP Howard-Taylor Wants Corruption Court Established -Hails dedication of Botota Magisterial County in Bong

Liberia’s Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor has called for the establishment of a corruption court that will address many of the corrupt acts being exhibited against the state and individuals while maintaining that the rule of law is the panacea to sustainable peace in any given society.

She justified that a corruption court was necessary in Liberia, especially at the time when anti-graft entities were gathering pieces of evidence on most of these cases of corruption.

VP Howard-Taylor furthered that there can be no sustainable development without sustained peace, adding that “the Weah-led government remains committed to sustaining the peace through an independent and professional justice system.”

The Vice President, according to a Repress Release was speaking Thursday, April 21, 2022, at programs marking the dedication of the Botota Magisterial Court of the 9th Judicial Circuit in Bong County.

The number two citizen in the country particularly thanked the Chief Justice, His Honor Francis S. Korkpor, and International Partners, including the Swedish Government, for the construction project, ensuring access to justice for people in that rural part of the country.

However, she used the occasion to frown on some Liberian constructors who are constantly defrauding on necessary contracts awarded them.

Her comment followed an earlier statement by Chief Justice Korkpor that the construction of the Court was delayed due to defrauding on the part of a Liberian contractor who was awarded the contract. But she believes establishing a corruption court would address many of these corrupt acts exhibited against the state and individuals.

She justified that a corruption court was necessary in Liberia, especially at the time when anti-graph entities were gathering pieces of evidence on most of these cases of corruption.

Meanwhile, Vice President Howard-Taylor has asked the Judiciary under its training component to consider the training of electoral magistrates across the country.

Speaking earlier at the program, Chief Justice Korkpor asserted that it was hurtful for the Judiciary to be often branded as corrupt but quickly pointed out that the judiciary is not as evil as being perceived.

However, the Chief Justice admonished those charged with administering justice to the people to refrain from acts that are inimical to their status.

On the construction of the magisterial court, Chief Justice Korpor lauded UNDP and the Swedish government for the commitment fulfilled in the completion of the Botota Magisterial Court in Bong County.   He disclosed that the magisterial court construction project targets the remotest parts of Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, and Lofa counties.

According to Chief Justice Korkpor, the court equalizes everyone; as such, access to justice would be effectively ensured by the court in these earmarked counties.

A Representative of UNDP-Liberia and the Swedish Ambassador to Liberia graced and made remarks at the occasion.

The Judicial Branch implemented the project while the SWEDISH SVERIGE, in collaboration with the UNDP-Liberia, provided the funds.