Sanniquellie, Nimba County – The Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County opened its 2026 Midterm Session with Presiding Judge Serena F. Garlawolu commending stakeholders for reducing case backlogs and upholding judicial standards in the prior February Term.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
In her opening address, Judge Garlawolu, assigned to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, thanked the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the Office of the Public Defender for Nimba County, magistrates, and members of the House of Representatives.
She highlighted significant reductions in criminal and civil dockets, aligning with statutory requirements.
The Judge praised lawyers for their professionalism, preparedness, respect for the rule of law and cooperation with the bench.
“The justice system functions effectively when the bar and the bench work together,” she stated, noting how their efforts enhanced the dignity and efficiency of proceedings.”
Addressing magistrates, Judge Garlawolu acknowledged the inclusion of quarterly reports from the Coast in judicial returns but criticized frequent late submissions.
She issued a formal order: All magistrates must submit quarterly reports to the Circuit Court clerk at least 10 days before each term opens.
“This allows sufficient time for review, issue resolution and inclusion in the judge’s return where needed.”
Secretaries and staff received special recognition for their dedication and punctuality, ensuring orderly court business. The judge urged underperforming staff to recommit, stressing their role in maintaining public confidence.
She also thanked security officers, jurors, litigants and the public for support during the term, which ended successfully on February 18.
“Challenges arise in the administration of justice, but through unity, integrity, patience, and diligence, we continue to uphold the rule of law and serve the people with honor,” Judge Garlawolu remarked.
Declaring the session open, she called for continued commitment to justice, fairness, and accountability.
“May the cooperation demonstrated during the last term continue for the betterment of our judicial system and society,” she concluded.
The midterm session will address 157 pending civil cases and 55 criminal cases efficiently.
Associate Judge Chan-Chan A. Paegar of the Commercial Court commended Nimba lawyers and judges for their cooperation, calling it a model for timely justice across Liberia.
Speaking at the session opening, Judge Paegar praised Judge Garlawolu’s charge, particularly its emphasis on collaboration.
“I’m particularly moved by the pronouncement of the cooperation between the lawyers of the circuit and the bench, which has delivered successful administration of justice to the people of Nimba County,” he stated.
He warned against pitfalls delaying justice: “As a judge, I can attest that in some instances, justice is either delayed or denied because we do not coordinate or collaborate. Lawyers proceed to court to file suits and amongst themselves say, our father sued just to delay. I have no intent of pursuing it. When you do that, you delay justice.’’
Echoing others, he urged lawyers to be firm: “Look your client in the face and say, ‘You got no case. I’m going to no court.’ You cannot take the case knowing it is not winnable.
The dockets keep growing because cases are filed with no intent to move them. That’s unfair to yourself, your client, the judiciary, and the nation.”
Judge Paegar lauded local lawyers’ work ethic and adherence to their oath. “We are proud of you. I hope this could be the message across the country, and Liberia will have nothing to fear in terms of the rule of law.”
He wished Judge Garlawolu and the assigned judges success in the term.
The full bench, Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) representatives, including former Solicitor General Cllr. Micah Wilkins Wright and other stakeholders welcomed Judge Serena F. Garlawolu’s return to the Eighth Judicial Circuit, urging firmness, courage, and decisiveness.
Bar representatives emphasized accountability for lawyers and magistrates. “There are times to say yes or to say no that can be difficult, but that’s what makes you a judge,” one said.
“You cannot say yes and mean no. Your yes must be yes, be strong in your commitment, courageous in your decisions.”
They stressed timely magistrate reports: “Magistrates sometimes delay or ignore their duties. The first time you let it slide, they will try the second time. So, you have to be firm.”
The bar pledged full support, vowing to cooperate for effective justice.
Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono, represented by staffer Prince Yeah, assured the judiciary of full administrative support within the legal limits.
“We are honored to welcome Her Honor, Judge Serena F. Garlawolu,” Yeah stated, highlighting challenges like limited logistics, case delays, transportation issues, inadequate public awareness, near-customary disputes, and poor coordination.
The administration pledged to strengthen collaboration with the judiciary and security for peace during proceedings, support awareness campaigns on the rule of law and peaceful resolution, encourage local and traditional leaders to aid the court, and promote community mediation to reduce caseloads.
Yeah urged citizens to remain law-abiding and respect judicial decisions. “May this term be successful, peaceful, and productive for Nimba County,” he concluded.
