The Plenary of the Liberian Senate, the highest decision-making body of the Senate, has overwhelmingly confirmed Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay as the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Liberia. His confirmation comes after a unanimous vote during the Senate’s regular session held Thursday at the Capitol Building.
All 24 Senators present voted in favor of the motion to confirm Justice Gbeisay, with no abstentions or dissenting voices. The motion for his confirmation was filed by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, following the reading of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petitions.
Justice Gbeisay’s nomination was recently submitted by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to replace outgoing Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Youh, who has reached the mandatory constitutional retirement age.
Article 72(b) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution clearly provides that:
“The Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the subordinate courts of record shall be retired at the age of seventy; provided, however, that a Justice or Judge may continue in office for as long as may be necessary to enable him to render judgment or perform any other judicial duty in regard to proceedings entertained by him before he attained the age of seventy.”
Justice Youh’s retirement paved the way for Justice Gbeisay’s elevation, marking a significant leadership transition within the Judiciary.
The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sinoe County Senator Augustine S. Chea, strongly endorsed Gbeisay’s nomination, stating that he met all constitutional benchmarks including the age requirement, high moral character, judicial temperament, and extensive legal experience required to lead the Supreme Court and oversee Liberia’s entire judiciary.
“The nominee has demonstrated not only a profound understanding of the law but also the integrity and leadership required to guide the judiciary,” Senator Chea noted in the committee’s findings.
Justice Gbeisay previously served as an Associate Justice and is widely respected for his depth of legal knowledge, impartiality, and firm grasp of constitutional law. With his confirmation now complete, he is expected to be sworn in shortly and assume full responsibilities as head of the Judicial Branch of Government.
His confirmation has been met with broad public approval, with legal professionals and civic voices welcoming the Senate’s decision as a step toward continuity, judicial integrity, and renewed leadership.
As Chief Justice, Gbeisay will be tasked with critical responsibilities, including presiding over constitutional matters, reforming judicial processes, and restoring public trust in the nation’s courts amid growing calls for transparency and efficiency.
