The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has welcomed the resignation of Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay’s son, Willeyon Gbeisay, from his controversial nomination as Associate Magistrate of the Paynesville Magisterial Court, but insists that the resignation alone does not absolve the Chief Justice from what it describes as a “gross act of nepotism.” The issue gained national attention following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s nomination of several judicial officers on September 18, 2025, including Willeyon Gbeisay, the Chief Justice’s son.
The appointment quickly drew public outrage and concern from judicial actors and civil society organizations, who questioned the legality and ethics of the nomination. Among those who voiced strong opposition was Judge Nancy Finda Sammy, President of the Trial Judges Association of Liberia. In a letter dated September 23, 2025, addressed to Chief Justice Gbeisay, Judge Sammy argued that the nomination violated established judicial recruitment and training procedures. In response, Chief Justice Gbeisay admitted to recommending his son to President Boakai but denied committing any ethical or legal breach. The Chief Justice defended his actions, saying his recommendation was based on his son’s qualifications rather than familial ties — a defense CENTAL flatly rejects.
In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, October 1, 2025, CENTAL said the act clearly constitutes nepotism as defined under the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, specifically Section 1.3.16, which describes nepotism as the act of a public official recommending or appointing a family member for employment, promotion, or advancement in a government agency or branch in which he or she works. Citing Section 1.3.12, which defines family members to include biological or adopted children, CENTAL emphasized that the Chief Justice’s recommendation of his son to a position within the judiciary a branch he heads and supervises violates both the spirit and letter of the law. “Such conduct by the Chief Justice represents a gross disregard for the Code of Conduct and undermines the principles of transparency, integrity, and fairness within our judicial system,” the statement reads.
“While we welcome the resignation of Willeyon Gbeisay, the Chief Justice’s son, that action does not erase the wrongdoing already committed.” CENTAL expressed deep concern over the Chief Justice’s public defense of his actions and his alleged attempt to “humiliate and intimidate” Judge Nancy Sammy for raising legitimate ethical concerns. “We wonder how the Chief Justice would rule in a similar case of nepotism when he himself has demonstrated a willingness to violate the same law,” the organization questioned. “This sets a dangerous precedent for the judiciary and erodes public confidence in the system.” CENTAL further urged the Legislature to take decisive action by applying the penalties prescribed under Section 9.8 of the Code of Conduct, which include reprimand, suspension, demotion, or removal from office and in severe cases, a five-year ban from public service.
“Our laws are clear on the consequences of nepotism,” the group noted. “To preserve the integrity of the judiciary, the Legislature must ensure that no one, not even the Chief Justice, is above the law.” The anti-corruption body also called on President Joseph N. Boakai to demonstrate genuine commitment to his administration’s pledge of good governance and accountability by rejecting practices that promote favoritism and weaken state institutions. “President Boakai must lead by example,” CENTAL stressed. “It is not enough to speak about reform and accountability the President must act decisively against acts of nepotism and abuse of power that continue to undermine public trust in government.”
As public attention remains fixed on the unfolding controversy, many Liberians see the case as a critical test of the country’s commitment to the rule of law and the fight against entrenched corruption in public service. “The resignation is a good first step,” CENTAL concluded, “but justice and accountability demand more than symbolic actions. The Chief Justice must be held accountable to the same standards he swore to uphold.”
Author: Zac T. Sherman
