Monrovia, Liberia – The House of Representatives’ competing blocs and their allies have been advised by the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) to respect the Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling in the matter between enbattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and self-cleamed Speaker Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, April 11, LNBA President Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah emphasized the significance of maintaining democratic ideals and the rule of law in the face of increased political tension surrounding the legislative disagreement.
As the statutory organization tasked with defending the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary, Cllr. Varmah stressed that the Bar is keeping a careful eye on the situation. He pleaded with everyone to give the Supreme Court the necessary space it needs to carry out its responsibilities without interference, coercion, or criticism.
According to him, the judiciary must be allowed the freedom to make decisions without excessive influence, coercion, or pressure from any source. The president of the LNBA criticised divisive remarks and threats from all sides of the political spectrum, cautioning that they only serve to undermine public trust in the nation’s judicial system and democratic process. Although criticism is a democratic right, he cautioned Liberians that it must be peacefully communicated and via legal means.
Cllr. Varmah emphasized that the judiciary’s legitimacy must always be maintained and urged the public and political players to refrain from any violent activities or plots before or after the court’s decision.
He pointed out that the independence and integrity of the judiciary are crucial democratic cornerstones. “In the spirit of democratic involvement, you are free to question, examine, and even deconstruct the court’s judgment, but it is our collective responsibility to accept and follow whatever decision the high court makes.”
President Varmah reminded the public that the Liberian Constitution ensures a separation of powers among the three branches of government in response to continuing public discussion and conjecture that the Executive Branch is meddling in the legal system, specifically with regard to the pending decision in the Bill of Information filed by Speaker Koffa.
He emphasized that the Judiciary must be free to fulfill its constitutional duties as an independent and equal branch, free from outside influence or fear. The LNBA’s comments coincide with growing political turbulence in the Legislature as the Supreme Court is anticipated to provide a significant decision that may influence the House of Representatives’ leadership and organizational framework.
