Africa-Press – Liberia. Cllr. Varmah emphasized that the Bar, as the statutory body responsible for safeguarding the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary, is closely monitoring the situation.
The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has called on rival blocs in the House of Representatives and their supporters to respect the pending decision of the Supreme Court in the case involving embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and the self-styled Speaker Speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon.
LNBA President Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, speaking at a press conference on Friday, April 11, stressed the importance of upholding democratic values and the rule of law amid the heightened political tension surrounding the legal dispute in the legislature.
“We urge everyone to be law-abiding and to conduct themselves responsibly both now and after the court renders its decision,” Cllr. Varmah said. “The peace, democracy and institutional stability are underpinned by the respect we accord our laws and legal institutions.”
Cllr. Varmah emphasized that the Bar, as the statutory body responsible for safeguarding the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary, is closely monitoring the situation.
He appealed to all parties to allow the Supreme Court the space to perform its duties free from pressure, threats, or intimidation.
“The Judiciary must be given the space to render its judgement free of pressure, intimidation and undue influence from any quarter,” he stated.
Condemning inflammatory statements and threats from either side of the political divide, the LNBA president warned that such actions only serve to erode public confidence in the country’s legal system and democratic process. He reminded Liberians that while dissent is a democratic right, it must be expressed peacefully and through lawful channels.
Cllr. Varmah further called on citizens and political actors to avoid any acts or plans of violence before or after the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the legitimacy of the judiciary must be upheld at all times.
“The integrity and independence of the Judiciary are essential pillars of democracy,” he noted. “You may critique, analyze, and even dissect the court’s decision in the spirit of democratic engagement, but we are all under a natural duty to respect and abide by whatever ruling the high court may render.”
Responding to ongoing public discourse and speculation suggesting interference by the Executive Branch in the judicial process, particularly regarding the pending ruling in the Bill of Information filed by Speaker Koffa, Varmah reminded the public that the Liberian Constitution guarantees a separation of powers among the three branches of government.
He stressed that the Judiciary, as an independent and co-equal branch, must be allowed to carry out its constitutional responsibilities without fear or influence from any quarter.
The LNBA’s remarks come amid increasing political uncertainty within the Legislature, with the Supreme Court expected to issue a crucial ruling that could shape the leadership and operational structure of the House of Representatives.
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