The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), through its newly inducted President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah Sr, vows to take conclusive action in defending the rule of law.
Speaking on Friday, January, 31, 2025, at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Cllr. Varmah said the LNBA will file a lawsuit against the Government of Liberia, citing a pattern of disregard for the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s rulings in recent times, actions which he said the association considers as a serious threat to the nation’s legal and democratic foundations.
Taking the garble of authority, Cllr. Varmah said his team is committed to a legal profession that upholds the values of justice, fairness, and integrity, and builds on the progress made by the past leadership of the Bar.
According to him, the LNBA’s decision to pursue legal action is broader efforts to reinforce the rule of law, uphold the Constitution, and ensure justice for all Liberians.
This lawsuit, according to Varmah, will send a clear message to both the government and the public that the Bar remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, fairness and democratic governance.
The LNBA president said the critical nature of the legal action will state the government’s failure to uphold the Supreme Court’s decisions which undermines the integrity of the legal system.
Varmah said such conduct directly jeopardizes the core principles of justice and democracy, which are essential for the country’s stability and growth in every area.
Cllr. Varmah says, “As the Liberia National Bar Association, we stand unwavering in our commitment to ensure that the Constitution of Liberia is upheld and defended.”
He said the government’s disrespect for the Supreme Court’s opinions strikes at the heart of the legal system and endangers the democratic values legal practitioners have long worked to establish. “This is not a matter of privilege, but of duty, a duty to protect our Constitution and secure justice for all Liberians.”
He said the Bar is responsible to guard the law with an obligation to challenge any actions that corrode the integrity of the justice system. “As legal professionals, we have an ethical and professional obligation to act when the foundational principles of fairness and justice are threatened; it is not only our duty but our moral imperative to protect the rights of the people and uphold the ideals of equality.”
Cllr Varmah said the LNBA’s current agenda under his watch include reforms to legal education and the strengthening of Liberia’s legal framework, empowering women in the legal profession, fostering an inclusive and fair legal community, and ensuring the protection of human rights and civil liberties.
He wants legal practitioners to ensure the justice system serves the best interests of all Liberians and stand firm in defense of human rights, as lawyers are committed to protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen and ensuring that justice prevails.
Varmah thanked the outgoing leadership for their sacrifices over the years, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the legal system and expressed gratitude for the legacy left behind.
By T.Q. Lula Jaurey
