The Resident Judge of the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Bassa County Joe Barkon is calling on Liberians to uphold the rule of law in order to ensure sustainable peace, democracy and development.
The rule of law is central to the governments’ approach to promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies in line with the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). Speaking recently during the opening of the August term of Court, Judge Barkon said the principle or concept of upholding the rule law demands from every citizen, resident and the governing authorities of the day to abide by all of the provisions as contained within the 1986 Constitution of Liberia and all other Statutory laws enacted by the Legislature to engender a peaceful, coexisting and a lawful society.
“For instance, Article 3 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia states that this Constitution is the supreme and fundamental law of Liberia and its provisions shall have the binding force and effect on all authorities and persons throughout the Republic,” he said.
He said this provision clearly shows that everyone is duty bound to be law abiding as citizens, residents, and governing authorities for the promotion of good governance and social justice that will engender peace and stability, attract direct foreign investment for jobs creation, and economic growth and development of the country.
“Anything on the contrary on our part not to have regard for the Rule of Law, it could retrogress our peace and progress we have made over the years, and may lead to civil upheaval and conflict among ourselves, and between those who feel suppressed and oppressed by the governing authorities of the day, which may endanger the peace of our country under such situation,” the judge said.
Judge Barkon said that access to legal services is critical in rebuilding societies and creating an enabling environment for poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainable growth and development, and guarantees the respect for, and protection of human rights.
“Both the past governments and the present government were and are under binding obligation to have upheld and/or uphold respectively every provision of our Constitution, statutory laws, as well as customary laws of the country to promote good governance and a peaceful and harmonious society,” he said.
