Africa-Press – Liberia. Cllr. Varmah expressed concern over recent events, particularly the actions of members of the House of Representatives, which culminated in the burning of the Capitol Building.
The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has vowed to take legal action against any of the three branches of government found in violation of the Constitution.
Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, the newly elected president of the LNBA, made this declaration during his inaugural address on Friday, February 2025, at the EJS Ministerial Complex.
Varmah expressed concern over recent events, particularly the actions of members of the House of Representatives, which culminated in the burning of the Capitol Building. He argued that these incidents highlight growing threats to Liberia’s constitutional democracy.
“Violations of fundamental rights, questionable executive actions, judicial inaction, and legislative overreach are undermining the very fabric of our democracy,” Varmah stated.
He emphasized that the LNBA would not remain silent in the face of such challenges. “We are going to speak truth to power, hold institutions accountable, and push for legal reforms that strengthen governance, human rights, and social justice,” he said.
Varmah assured attendees, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, and U.S. Ambassador Mark C. Toner, that the LNBA would play a key role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring constitutional compliance across all branches of government.
“To address constitutional violations, the LNBA will file lawsuits with the Supreme Court to challenge unconstitutional actions by any branch of government,” Varmah confirmed.
He also called for constitutional amendments to strengthen accountability mechanisms and proposed that the LNBA provide legal opinions on bills and executive actions that may violate the Constitution.
“We will collaborate with civil society organizations to pressure the government to uphold constitutional principles,” Varmah added.
On the issue of revising the Supreme Court’s opinion, Varmah emphasized that the 1986 Constitution grants the Court the power of judicial review, providing the final say on all legal matters free from external influence.
As a judicial advocacy group, Varmah stated that the LNBA should take responsibility for reviewing the Supreme Court’s opinions to ensure clarity and improve the quality of judicial outcomes. “This is urgent and paramount for the best interests of law and public policy,” he asserted.
Varmah further stressed that the public must never be left in doubt when the Supreme Court makes final rulings, as it is the only branch mandated by the Constitution to ensure the stability of Liberia’s democracy through judicial review and interpretation of the law.
In his remarks, U.S. Ambassador Mark C. Toner commended the LNBA for its hard work and dedication, acknowledging the association’s clear passion for the law.
“By working together, you can achieve great things for the people of Liberia and make a lasting impact on the country,” Ambassador Toner remarked.
He also encouraged the LNBA to support President Boakai’s efforts in establishing the long-awaited War and Economic Crimes Court, citing the importance of delivering justice to victims of Liberia’s civil war.
Ambassador Toner recognized the challenges facing the legal profession in Liberia and urged lawyers to adapt to these changes. “Changes provide opportunities for growth as legal professionals,” he said, urging members of the Bar to lead the way in improving their practice.
The LNBA’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights and advocating for legal reform signals a pivotal moment in Liberia’s ongoing struggle for justice and good governance.
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