MONROVIA – Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has inducted its new corps of officers into their respective offices, with Cllr. Bornor Varmah talking tough amid the many suspected violations of the Constitution and its supporting statues.
Varmah is LNBA’s new president and, over the weekend committed his leadership to working with all the three branches of government in an amicable way but promised not to compromise the underlying reasons for which LNBA exist-defense against injustice, promoting functions of Government that are constitutional and ensuring the welfare of all legal practitioners is guaranteed and enforced.
Cllr. Varmah said in his induction remarks that for too long Liberia continues to grapple with its own unique circumstances, but it is never an excuse for not dispensing justice fairly and uncompromisingly.
Like the press, lawyers are also watchdogs of society as they defend the Constitution and its supporting statues through their legal practice and oppose the violation of the same laws that are meant to keep society civilized and profitable for all, irrespective of sex, color, nationality or economic status.
“The mandate of the LNBA is clear: to be a guardian of the Constitution, a watchdog for justice, and a vanguard of legal excellence. As we embark on this journey together, we must remain unwavering in our pursuit of these fundamental principles,” Varmah said as President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Chief Justice Sie-A-You and other high-ranking officials of government, among many others gracing the occasion looked on.
He noted that to succeed in accomplishing the objectives of his leadership entrusted through a democratic and constitutional process of elections, he will work in harmony with his coworkers as well as all others who see the dispensation of justice for all in a legally acceptable way.
Cllr. Varmah called on his colleagues to never underestimate the power of unity as it does not only lead to great accomplishments but also preserves the sanity of any given society.
“Our promise to run a united and an inclusive bar is a task that must be accomplished,” he pointed out, adding, “Our efforts must at all times not only be geared towards keeping the Bar united, but moving it forward.”
He promised that under his leadership as President of the Bar, the government will always be reminded of the need to respect the rule of law and keep the country in its state of peace through the dispensation of justice in ways acceptable by law.
“We have a duty to enhance the welfare of our members, protect them in the practice of our profession, reinvigorate public confidence in our profession and ensure that we give back to society which not only looks up to us but has been good to us as legal professionals,” Varmah stressed.
He continued that LNBA will hold government at all levels accountable and look forward to reminding government of the need to deliver on its policies and programs the public yearn for.
For the agenda of his leadership, the new LNBA President said strengthening of professional ethics and accountability within the legal profession will not be taken lightly.
“We will advocate for independent and impartial Judiciary, expand legal education and mentorship programs for for young lawyers, engage in public interest litigation to defend human rights and civil liberty as well as promote Judicial transparency and efficiency.”
About Constitutional violations and the need for legal reforms, LNBA President said recent events in the country exposed threats to Liberia’s Constitutional democracy and it is time for reforms to take place.
“Violations of fundamental rights, questionable Executive actions and disregard for Judicial decisions, Judicial inactions and avoidance as well as well as Legislative overreach undermine the very fabric of our society.
Cllr. Varmah’s remarks came as the Legislature, mainly the House of Representatives continues to struggle with its leadership crisis-with a majority of Lawmakers removing Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the 55th Legislature on allegations of malpractices and leadership failure.
The action of the majority has received a series of mixed reactions with some suggesting that removing Koffa is their right but failing to follow due process, including obedience to their own rules such as reaching a majority of 49 through a vote and giving the accused Speaker due process of being heard to defend his actions or not are missteps that are counter to the exposition enshrined in the 1986 Constitution.
As the majority bloc has refused to sit under the gavel of embattled Speaker Koffa and went ahead to elect Richard Koon, Montserrado Electoral District #11 Representative, the Executive Mansion has taken side with it (majority bloc) and is doing business with the group, sidelining Koffa.
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh interpreted the Supreme Court’s decision calling actions and inactions on Capitol Hill, particularly with the majority bloc as ultra vires to be a decision in favor of the majority and has since advised President Boakai to do business with them.
Cllr. Varmah said Disciplinary Actions will be taken Against Lawyers in Violation to Ensure that lawyers, including those in government, uphold constitutional principles and Sanction legal practitioners who support unconstitutional actions.
Cllr. Varmah succeeded Cllr. Sylvester Rennie as President of the LNBA.
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai delivered the keynote address and in his remarks, the Liberian leader admonished the legal practitioners to remain independent and practice law without fear or favor.
Boakai, according to the Executive Mansion, reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering a just society, although he is under strong public criticism for ignoring the Constitution and blatantly supporting acts seen as corrupt and undemocratic.
The Executive Mansion noted in its post LNBA inaugural press statement that “During his keynote address, President Boakai congratulated incoming LNBA President Counselor Bornor M. Varmah and the newly elected executive team, emphasizing the crucial role the Bar plays in safeguarding democracy and ensuring justice for all Liberians. He underscored the need for legal practitioners to remain professional, ethical, and independent in their service to the nation. “The rule of law is the foundation of any stable and civilized society,” President Boakai stated,” pointing out that, “Without it, justice falters, and the dreams of our people fizzle and fade away. He assured that his Administration is committed to actively collaborating with the Bar in strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions and ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of social or economic status.”
President Boakai also urged legal practitioners to focus on enhancing legal education, promoting good governance, and ensuring that all citizens receive fair treatment under the law.
Chief Justice, Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh said respect for the Constitution as the foundation of democratic governance cannot be overemphasized. Th head of the Judiciary called on Varmah and his team members now steering the affairs of LNBA to never compromise ethics as it is the bedrock of good legal practice.
Also present were members of the Legislature and also the diplomatic community.
The United States of America Ambassador accredited near Monrovia, Mark Toner pledged the US full support to the Liberian Bar Association and also pledged the US commitment in supporting the War and Economic Crimes Court.
Discussion about this post