The President of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai, has pledged his administration’s cooperation with the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) to foster the hard-earned democracy of Liberia and promote the rule of law.
Speaking Friday, January 31, 2025 at the induction ceremony of the leadership of the LNBA at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, President Boakai said that the cooperation is not only a necessity, but a moral obligation for the government, the legal community and the citizenry.
According to him, his government is open to constructive criticisms and guidance as it steers the affairs of the state.
“Governance is not a solo act; it is a collective endeavor that requires input from all sectors of society. In this scheme of things, there is no disputing the fact that the Bar is uniquely positioned to provide insight, advice, and checks where necessary,” Boakai stated.
The Liberian leader said he recognizes the LNBA as a professional and legal institution that wields the huge potential of playing a key role in the growth and development of Liberia.
He added, “As such, your contribution to nation-building cannot be overstated. You must remain a beacon of professionalism, ethics, and integrity, standing firm on the side of justice and the law.”
“However, as we strengthen this partnership, I must also admonish the Bar to remain above partisan politics. Never make the unhelpful, and even self-destructive, judgment that this Institution is a political party and should therefore seek to act as one. Instead, it must hold steadfast to its professional principles, rising above partisan allegiances and self-serving interests,” the President said.
Boakai charged the Bar to be candid, upright, fearless, practical, and, above all, reasonable as it engages the national government on matters of governance, being extra mindful never to throw into question its own avowed commitment to the Liberian people.
According to him, the independence and forthrightness of the Bar constitute its strength; saying, to compromise the independence is inexorably to weaken the fabric of the democracy.
Boakai explained that the Liberian people count on the Bar to work alongside the three branches of government in ensuring that the law remains supreme.
He narrated that it is the rule of law that stabilizes a civilized society, makes it peaceful, and fosters productivity.
The President noted that members of the Bar, as custodians of justice, carry the critical role on their shoulders to play in their regard.
“As you embark on this new chapter of leadership, let me take this serene moment to encourage you to focus on ensuring that justice is accessible to all Liberians, regardless of economic or social standing, strengthening legal education to equip the next generation of lawyers with the skills and ethics needed to sustain Liberia’s legal and democratic systems and promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance across all sectors of society,” he stated.
Boakai reminded the newly inducted leadership of the LNBA that the task ahead is daunting, but they should remain filled with confidence that will rise to the challenge with courage and conviction.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the LNBA in the shared objective of ensuring that the principles of justice, equality, and fairness are upheld in our country.
By Prince Saah
