Liberia, Aug. 19 -- "When Leadership Turns Personal, Institutions Bleed," Judge Says

By Victoria G. Wesseh

MONROVIA - Circuit Judge J. Kennedy Peabody has warned against the use of government authority to punish criticism, dissent or perceived political disloyalty, arguing that when personal interests begin to drive administrative decisions, public institutions suffer.

Judge Peabody delivered the warning during the formal opening of the 15th Judicial Circuit in River Gee County, where he spoke about the dangers of resentment, revenge and intolerance in the exercise of public authority.

His remarks focused particularly on what he described as "thin-skinned leadership" - a style of governance in which criticism is interpreted as a perso...