“Justice Korkpor Has Paid His Dues,” President Weah Extols Outgoing Chief Justice – African Business

H.E. George Manneh Weah has been praising the former Chief Justice, Cllr. Francis S. Korkpor will be retiring. 

President Weah stated Tuesday, September 27, 2022 that Justice Korkpor had paid his dues. This statement was made during the Temple of Justice’s official farewell program. It was held at the Temple of Justice. 

“During his work at the Justice and Peace Commission established by the Catholic Church in the early 1990s to address human rights abuses and injustices in our society,” President Weah recalled, Cllr Kporkpor quietly but fearlessly made the case for justice and peace for all Liberians, but especially for the underprivileged and the poor.  

“Many times, his work brought him into conflict with some of Liberia’s past leaders, but he always remained steadfast to the cause of justice,” the Liberian Leader said further, adding that Justice Korkpor’s record for almost two decades as a Justice on the Supreme Court bench has remained exemplary and outstanding. 

“He dedicated his time, first as an Associate Justice and later as Chief Justice, to seeing through key judicial reforms – as well as embarking on the development of major additions and improvements to court infrastructure throughout the country, thereby bringing justice closer to the people,” Dr. Weah pointed out. 

“Our Little Secret”

The Liberian Chief Executive used this opportunity to recall his youth interactions with the outgoing Chief Judge.

He said, referring directly to Cllr Kporkpor: “And now, on a personal note, I would like to inform this audience that Chief Justice Korkpor is no stranger to me. Papay, I am about tell you our little secret now that you have retired.  I am free now to talk, so now I’m talking.  I took all these years to hide our secret.”

He continued: “I have been knowing the Papay [elderly man]Since 1986, which is about 36 years ago.  He was a serious I.E. player at that time. I.E. player and a supporter of his cause. He was a very nice person to me. He was there for me when I needed him most. He was also very generous with me and through his guidance and advice, he became a mentor and strong father figure in mine.

“So, Papay, as you retire today, I can now tell the world that you are my Pa.  I can now walk around you and be with you.  I know you are retiring now but I am still your child, yeah?  I am still your child, even though you are leaving Government. Papay, I want to thank you for all that you did for me.  You were there when times were tough. You were there for me when it was good.  What I love most about you is the respect you showed each other.  Respect and love.”

He said even though Justice Kporkpor has retired, “I know that you are not tired. So l will continue to seek your wise counsel when needed”. 

Transparent Justice: A commitment

In a related development, President Weah has reiterated his Government’s commitment to the dispensation of justice and the protection of human rights where the Judiciary is independent and robust. 

“We are fully cognizant of the crucial role the Judiciary plays in the maintenance of our hard-earned peace,” the President said. “Therefore, as we head to general and presidential elections next year, it is expected that you will continue to be of critical importance in our efforts to solidify our democratic credentials as a Nation.”

He called on members of the Judiciary to endeavor to ensure that blind justice is done to all and that they would do well by relying “on the excellent foundations that have been laid by Justice Francis Korkpor and his colleagues during his leadership of this honorable Supreme Court”. 

Dr. Weah also said the most fundamental precept of Liberia’s legal system is the guarantee of rights and freedoms, which makes the judiciary cardinal to the democracy my administration continues to strive to consolidate.

“Over the past several years, we have been deliberate in this national project, as we endeavor to maintain the independence that this branch of government ought to have,” the President said. 

“I must therefore applaud all of your efforts in this regard, particularly the man who we are here to honor today, the outgoing Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia, His Honor Francis Korkpor.”

Distributed by APO Group for Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.