“Shocking Verdict Sparks Outcry”: Rep. Moima Briggs Rallies For Judge Nelson Chineh Impeachment
By: Jeremiah Sackie Cooper Gmail: jeremiahcooper105@gmail.com
Liberia: The House of Representatives Chairperson on Gender Children and Social Protection and Bong County District #6 Representative, Moima Briggs Mensah is rallying the House of Representatives to launch an investigation for the possible impeachment of Judge Nelson Chineh of Criminal Court B at the Supreme Court of Liberia for his alleged biased judgment in the case involving Jessica Lloyd a Liberia woman and an American Missionary Lucas Richards.
On April 17, 2024, Lucas Richards, an American Missionary residing in Liberia was set free from charges of criminal attempt to commit murder and aggravated assault by Criminal Court B at the Supreme Court of Liberia after being accused of attempting to kill his wife Jessica Lloyd.
It can be recalled, on Thursday, September 14, 2023, it was alleged that Locas Richards drove his wife, Jessica Lloyd, around Dixville, Caldwell in Montserrado County, where he attacked and injured her, leaving her with lacerations on her neck, the back of her head and fingers.
But now, Judge Nelson Chineh’s verdict has received several blows from the public, with latest a member of the Liberian Legislature, Representative Boima Briggs Mensah calling for his impeachment.
Representative Briggs Mensah in her communication sent to the plenary of the 55th House of Representatives during its 6th extraordinary sitting on Thursday raised a clarion call for action in response to what she described as a “matter of grave concern.”
According to the Bong District #6 Lawmaker, despite compelling evidence, defendant Lucas Richard was acquitted by judge Nelson Chineh of the Criminal Court B at the Supreme Court of Liberia.
“Yesterday, April 17, 2024, Liberians realized the shocking truth of that averment. A young Liberian lady was left vulnerable to the justice system when her alleged killer, with all the evidence adduced, was found not guilty and acquitted by the judge in the Criminal Court. This verdict met the appalling despair of thousands of Liberians across the country and many around the world”she said.
She highlighted the widespread perception of inefficiency, corruption, and a lack of public trust plaguing the legal apparatus.
“This verdict, which left many Liberians bewildered and disheartened, has prompted demands for accountability and reform within the judiciary” she added
“It is the responsibility of this Legislature to conduct oversight across the entire government, and where justice is derailed or denied, we must act,” asserted Representative Mensah in her impassioned plea.
Representative Boima Briggs who is the Chair of the House Committee on Gender stressed that the impeachment of judge Nelson Chineh is imperative of restoring faith in the judicial process of Liberia.
However, Representative Brigg’s communication has been forwarded to the Gender and Judiciary Committees to report in a week.
Critics believes that the repercussions of this incident extend far beyond the confines of the courtroom, casting a shadow over the credibility of Liberia’s governance structures.
The failure to deliver justice not only undermines individual rights but also erodes the foundation of democratic principles upon which the nation stands.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from this alarming verdict, all eyes turn to the legislative branch for decisive action.
The call for accountability resonates not only within the hallowed halls of the Capitol Building but also among the populace yearning for a judiciary that upholds the rule of law without fear or favor.
In the face of mounting pressure from the public especially women, the question remains: Will Plenary heed the urgent appeal of Representative Boima Briggs Mensah? The answer lies in the hands of those entrusted with the solemn duty to safeguard the pillars of democracy and ensure that justice remains blind to all but the truth.
