Africa-Press – Liberia. The President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bonor M. Varmah finds himself at the center of escalating criticism from his professional colleagues. The controversy originates from his statement condemning the Supreme Court’s ruling on the recent House impasse, which many have considered unilateral and contrary to the established protocols of the LNBA. The issue has sparked debates over the independence and governance of the association, drawing significant reactions from legal professionals across the country.
The latest wave of condemnation comes from the Montserrado County Bar Association, one of Liberia’s oldest and most respected County Bars.
Following a convened meeting on Thursday May 1, 2025, members of the Montserrado County Bar issued a firm warning to Cllr. Varmah, urging him to desist from making unilateral statements that they believe undermine the independence and integrity of the LNBA.
Their reaction underscores the broader dissatisfaction with the manner in which the statement was handled and communicated.
During a press conference held to address this matter, Senior Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull, speaking on behalf of the Board of Advisors of the Montserrado County Bar, outlined critical concerns regarding the procedural process through which the statement was made.
Cllr. Bull emphasized that the Constitution of the LNBA mandates that any official statement representing the association should be approved by the Executive Council, which comprises the presidents of all fifteen county bars along with the elected officials of the LNBA.
She pointed out that this constitutional requirement within the LNBA had been grossly overlooked in the latest instance, thereby calling into question the legitimacy of the statement issued by Cllr. Varmah.
The unilateral action by Cllr. Varmah has sparked deeper concerns about governance and collaboration within the association.
Legal practitioners have voiced apprehensions that such actions could erode the democratic foundations of the LNBA and compromise its role as a representative body.
The controversy surrounding Cllr. Varmah’s statement reverberates beyond the immediate confines of the LNBA. It brings to light broader issues of leadership, accountability, and the delicate balance between personal opinions and institutional representation.
Cllr. Varmah holds a pivotal role in shaping public perception of Liberia’s legal community. His actions, therefore, carry weight not only within professional circles but also among the general populace.
Critics of Cllr. Varmah highlighted the need for greater transparency and adherence to constitutional directives within the association.
Sources informed this paper that some members of the LNBA voiced their concerns as to while their critical views expressed in a subsequent meeting held to address Cllr. Varmah’s statement was not part of a press release issued thereafter. They equated that to window dressing of the issue.
The Montserrado Bar’s press conference was held in the presence of prominent figures such as Cllr. Samuel Y. Cooper, President of the Montserrado County Bar, and former Associate Justice Cllr. Philip A.Z. Banks, head of the Advisory Board.
Observers say their presence at the press conference signifies the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, this paper gathered that the Maryland County Bar were also preparing to issue a press statement as it relates to Cllr. Varmah’s statement.
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