By Precious D. Freeman
The newly inducted president of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Bornor M. Varmah, has pledged to challenge any unconstitutional actions taken by the Liberian government.
In his inaugural address on Friday, January 31, 2025, Cllr. Varmah underscored the LNBA’s commitment to legal advocacy, public interest litigation, and judicial independence.
Cllr. Varmah emphasized that recent events in Liberia have exposed significant threats to constitutional democracy, including violations of fundamental rights, executive overreach, legislative interference, and disregard for judicial decisions.
He vowed that the LNBA would actively engage policymakers to uphold the Constitution and advocate for legal reforms that reflect the will of the Liberian people.
“As legal professionals, we must speak truth to power, hold institutions accountable, and push for legal reforms that strengthen governance, human rights, and social justice,” Cllr. Varmah stated.
“To address constitutional violations, the LNBA plans to engage the Legislature and Executive to advocate for constitutional amendments that enhance accountability mechanisms.
Provide legal opinions on bills and executive actions that may violate the Constitution.
Collaborate with civil society organizations to ensure the government upholds constitutional principles.
Hold legal practitioners accountable for supporting unconstitutional actions.
Cllr. Varmah announced that the LNBA would leverage legal advocacy and public interest litigation to challenge unconstitutional actions.
The association will work closely with the Supreme Court of Liberia to improve the quality of its opinions and ensure that judicial review is exercised without external influence.
“The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, as enshrined in the 1986 Constitution, to bring clarity and finality to legal matters without political interference,” he explained.
To strengthen judicial oversight, the LNBA plans to establish a constitutional watchdog committee to monitor government’s actions and report violations.
Publish reports on unconstitutional practices and recommend corrective measures.
Conduct civic education programs to inform citizens about their constitutional rights.
Organize legal forums, workshops, and media engagements to promote government accountability.
Highlighting the need for an autonomous legal profession, Cllr. Varmah revealed that the LNBA currently operates under statutory guidelines that expose it to external influences.
To effectively fulfill its mandate, he proposed reforms granting the LNBA greater control over professional regulation, licensing, and disciplinary actions without undue interference.
“A strong, professional, and independent Bar is indispensable to national development. We must ensure that the LNBA has the authority to regulate the legal profession independently,” he asserted.
The LNBA will seek legislative amendments to strengthen its operational independence and solidify its role as the primary regulatory body for Liberia’s legal profession.
The LNBA president also reaffirmed the Bar’s support for establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia.
He argued that accountability for past atrocities is crucial for national healing and ending the culture of impunity.
“True peace cannot exist without justice. The LNBA will remain at the forefront of efforts to ensure accountability for war and economic crimes,” he said.
Cllr. Varmah commended President Joseph Boakai’s administration for demonstrating political will toward this process but urged further commitment to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) recommendations.
In a bid to strengthen the legal profession, the LNBA plans to collaborate with the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law to modernize legal education, enhance research initiatives, and establish mentorship programs for young lawyers.
The LNBA will push for judicial transparency and efficiency, advocating for reforms to reduce case backlog, combat corruption, and improve access to justice.
Concluding his address, Cllr. Varmah called on all stakeholders including the judiciary, government, legal professionals, to support the LNBA’s mission of upholding the rule of law.
“The task ahead is great, but so is our resolve. We must be fearless in defending justice, relentless in our pursuit of excellence, and unwavering in our duty to Liberia,” he declared.The LNBA’s new leadership, under Cllr. Varmah, is expected to play a critical role in shaping Liberia’s legal landscape in the years ahead, ensuring that constitutional democracy remains intact.