MONROVIA, February 6 (LINA) - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says as a legacy, the late Chief Justice Johnnie N. Lewis shall be remembered for his incisive thinking, stern principles, and erudition.
The Liberian leader also termed him “a patriot, dedicated to the rule of law and committed to high principles of justice.”
“The late Chief Justice was wise in judging cases, hardworking, and unwaveringly devoted to duty. He was respected for his outstanding legal acumen, for the logic of his arguments, and for the clarity of his writings,” President Sirleaf said.
She added: “Chief Justice Lewis’ opinions on constitutional issues across the spectrum from due process rights to judicial independence were well-reasoned,” noting that as a result, his opinions are frequently cited and will continue to impact the society and influence decisions and cases brought to the Supreme Court Bench.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian President made the statement when she delivered a Panegyric on behalf of the Government during the State Funeral of the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion on Thursday, February 5.
Former Chief Justice Lewis died in Monrovia on Wednesday, January 21. He was 69 years.
Highlighting the thoughts of others, the Liberian leader said students who passed through the classroom at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law confirmed overwhelmingly that their Dean, Professor Lewis, was studious, Socratic, and scholarly.
They observed that lawyers appearing before the Supreme Court Bench during his tenure knew that they had to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the facts, the issues, and the law pertaining to the matter at bar.
She indicated that staff of the Judiciary knew the Chief Justice would query them for lapses in the execution of their responsibilities; whereas the other Branches of Government knew, whether they agreed or not with the conclusion, they would get a hearing and judicious decision from the Bench under the Chief Justice Lewis’ gavel.
On behalf of the 53rd National Legislature, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alex Tyler, in his eulogy, said there are some street jurors around who have judged the late Chief Justice harshly; rather, he prefers that we all wait and see because the verdict is still out.
Speaker Tyler emphasized that what he does know and will speak about are the beautiful court houses which line the landscape across Liberia; the James A.A. Pierre Institute; the increased wages of judicial workers; and his respect for the rule of law.
Delivering the tribute on behalf of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary, Associate Justice Philip Banks preferred to look at the man and the law; the love for excellence in understanding the law, for knowledge of the law and for commitment to the law – all deemed by him to be critical to the pursuit of the law and the achievement of justice.
The Senior Warden, Brother Charles Clarke paid tribute on behalf of the Episcopal Church of Liberia; while the members of the family also paid personal tributes to the memory of the late Johnnie N. Lewis.
Earlier, delivering the funeral discourse, the Archbishop of the Internal Province of West Africa and Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Liberia, Rev. Dr. Jonathan B.B. Hart, reminded the audience that time is everything.
“Time is important for everything, especially your spiritual life,” he said, adding that it is critical to live one’s life with an acute awareness of God’s timing for your life.
On Friday, February 6, his remains will be conveyed to Greenville, Sinoe County, for another night of wake-keeping, commencing at 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, February 7, a Requiem Mass will take place at the St. Paul Episcopal Church and internment follows thereafter at the Lewis Cemetery, Red Hill, Greenville, Sinoe County.
As a mark of last respect and tribute to the late Chief Justice Lewis, President Sirleaf has directed that on the day of internment, the National Ensign of the Republic be flown at half-mask from all public buildings in Sinoe County, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
While his remains are being borne to the cemetery for interment, his personal salute of 19 cannons will be fired at intervals.
Meanwhile, the family and friends of the late Chief Justice has announced the launching of a Special Memorial Fund for Capacity Building and Socio-Economic Development in Memory of the late former Chief Justice.
They have encouraged all persons, organizations and businesses, wishing to present flowers and other tokens of their personal condolences to do so by making contributions to the Memorial Fund.
LINA