Monrovia, Liberia – As Liberia navigates a crucial chapter in its democratic journey, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), delivered a stirring speech during the annual Law Day celebration, calling on national stakeholders to recommit to the values of justice, accountability, and inclusion.
Law Day is a time for both celebration and serious contemplation of the role of law in society, Cllr. Varmah reminded the public and members of the legal community while speaking under the topic “Justice, Accountability, and Inclusion: Building a Stronger Liberia Under the Rule of Law.”
“This day is a solemn reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the rule of law, promote equal justice, and advance the ideals of liberty, accountability, and good governance,” he said, adding that it is observed in all democratic countries.
The LNBA President emphasized the urgent issues facing the nation’s legal system and restated the organization’s steadfast dedication to important tenets, such as improved access to justice, judicial accountability, and backing for the creation of a War and Economic Crimes Court in accordance with domestic and international commitments.
Cllr. Varmah said that the legal profession “must not be passive in the face of societal challenges.” Cllr. Varmah stated that the legal community has to be courageous in upholding Liberia’s constitution, pointing out that Bar is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all people, particularly the weak, the impoverished, and the disenfranchised.
He went on to say “we must be brave in standing up for the Constitution, fearless in confronting authority, and dedicated to safeguarding the rights of everyone, particularly the weak, the impoverished, and the disenfranchised.”
In order to maintain the ethics and professionalism of Liberia’s legal professionals, he also underlined the significance of ongoing legal education and urged for a stronger push for public legal education, especially among young people and rural areas.
Cllr. Varmah made a scathing criticism, calling the Ministry of Justice’s recent appointment of unlicensed individuals as City Solicitors “a clear case of aiding and abetting the unauthorized practice of law.”
Additionally, he attacked magistrates and judges for allegedly permitting non-attorneys to attend in court.
Rule 5 of the Rules of Court and Title 17 of the Judiciary Law are broken by these acts. He clearly asserted that they not only compromise the professionalism and integrity of our legal system but also destroy public trust in the rule of law.
The Ministry should stop the appointments right away and concentrate on employing law school graduates who are competent, well-trained, and actively looking for work, Cllr. Varmah suggested. He underlined that hiring these young experts will improve the caliber and legitimacy of legal representation and adjudication nationwide.
The president of the LNBA asked legal professionals and institutions to serve as defenders of democratic ideals and guardians of justice as Liberia recovers from decades of civil strife and political instability.
He reaffirmed that everyone is subject to the law and that everyone has the right to a just and inclusive legal system. Cllr. Varmah commended the courts, civil society, the Bar, and Liberia’s international allies for their ongoing efforts to uphold the rule of law in his closing remarks.
He said, “Let’s work together to create a Liberia where the rule of law serves as a safeguard for the weak, a check on the power structure, and a source of hope for future generations.”
