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Liberia: Justice Boss promises to defend the rule of law
Mar 24, 2006
by Michael Kpayili / Staff Writer

The newly confirmed minister of Justice Cllr. Francess Johnson Morris says she will uphold the rule of law during her tenure as Justice Minister of Liberia. She promised to work with her team of officials in ensuring the respect for human rights and justice for all.

Cllr. Morris said the portion of the constitution that states "a person is presume innocent unless proven guilty before a competent court of jurisdiction", will actively be adhere to. Cllr. Johnson Morris who served as former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia and former Chairman of the National Election Commission made the statement on March 22, 2006 when she officially took over the affairs of the Justice ministry. She further stressed the need for international partners to work along with her administration in building a genuine justice system in Liberia. She said a better system would benefit both Liberians and foreign citizens residing within the borders of Liberia. The Attorney-general of Liberia said the Justice Ministry will not usurp the functions of the jurisdiction of the court system. She promised to strengthen and up grade both the police and the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization to its pre-war status. Cllr. Morris said there was a need to improve the facilities of the local police depot in and around Liberia and also turn the prison center to correctional facilities.

The program was attended by the Deputy Chief of mission of the United States Embassy Mr. Louis Mazel, official of the National Bar Association, United Nations Rule of law task force, UNMIL police commissioner and other prominent citizens.

For his part, Mr. Louis Mazel pledged the United States Government support to the Government and people of Liberia. Mr. Mazel said considering Cllr. Morris capability and leadership ability, he is of the belief that transparency would be the key point of her administration. The Deputy Chief of mission also praise the October 11, election and term it as the best in recent times.

After the appointment of Mrs. Morris, the Congress for Democratic Change earlier rejected the appointment and confirmation of Cllr. Morris on ground that she cheated in favor of Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and taking over the affairs of the Justice ministry would mean rewarding her for job done in the past for Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

There are speculations that Mrs. Francess Johnson Morris is a cousin to Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The speculations have not been independently verified. Cllr. Francess Johnson Morris also served as Chairman of the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC).

About the Author:
Michael Kpayili is a staff writer for TheLiberianTimes.com. Kpayili has written articles which have appeared on TheLiberianTimes.com since late 2005, and his hard hitting investigative journalism has earned the respect of the Liberian press community.

Michael Kpayili may be contacted at mkpayili@theliberiantimes.com.