MONROVIA – In a critical press conference, Liberia’s Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Youh addressed the nation from the Supreme Court, expressing grave concerns over the judiciary’s budget allocation. This meeting gathered judges, magistrates, and prominent legal figures such as Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie and Solicitor General Augustine Fayiah.
Chief Justice Youh lamented the appropriation of only 2.8% of the 2024 National Budget to the judiciary. She described this allocation as severely inadequate for a branch that plays a crucial role in governance and law enforcement across Liberia.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the judiciary is the second largest and most decentralized government branch. She stressed that such a meager budget undermines its ability to function effectively, jeopardizing the rule of law and justice delivery.
Referencing the Financial Autonomy Act and the 1986 Constitution, Chief Justice Youh highlighted the legal framework that guarantees adequate funding and remuneration for judicial officers. She argued that the current budget violates these provisions.
Chief Justice Youh warned that the Supreme Court might be forced to use its judicial review powers to challenge the budget, should the executive and legislative branches remain unresponsive. She underscored the risk of a constitutional crisis if these issues are not addressed.
She called on President Boakai and the 55th Legislature to act swiftly to rectify the budget allocation, urging them to recognize the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government deserving of proper funding.
During the conference, Chief Justice Youh revealed that the judiciary submitted a budget estimate of $31 million. However, the Ministry of Finance allocated only $17 million, with an additional $3 million as a non-recurrent contingency.
She expressed frustration that this financial decision was made without consulting the Supreme Court, describing it as a unilateral move that undermines the judiciary’s autonomy.
Chief Justice Youh pointed out that the current budget fails to address longstanding issues, including the restoration of judges’ salaries, which remain unresolved and are pending before the court.
She detailed the consequences of inadequate funding, noting that many court buildings, including the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, are in poor condition due to years of neglect.
The lack of adequate financial support has also resulted in logistical challenges, further impairing the judiciary’s ability to fulfill its constitutional mandate effectively.
Chief Justice Youh concluded by asserting that both the executive and legislative branches must recognize the judiciary as an essential and equal part of the government. She called for immediate action to restore proper funding and support for the judiciary’s vital functions.
The conference highlighted the judiciary’s critical role in maintaining justice and stability in Liberia, urging government leaders to prioritize its funding to avoid further deterioration of the legal system.
