Monrovia, Liberia – The newly inducted President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor Varmah, has vowed to take legal action against ongoing constitutional violations, citing growing concerns over human rights abuses and governance failures.
Speaking at his induction ceremony at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Cllr. Varmah decried what he described as a persistent erosion of constitutional democracy in Liberia.
He pointed to alleged executive overreach, disregard for judicial rulings, and systemic violations of fundamental rights as grave threats to national stability.
“The failure to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights undermines the very fabric of our democracy,” Cllr. Varmah asserted. He emphasized the responsibility of legal professionals to challenge these violations and ensure institutional accountability.
The LNBA president underscored the association’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles across all branches of government. He warned that judicial inaction and unchecked legislative interference could further weaken Liberia’s governance structure.
To counter these threats, Cllr. Varmah announced a comprehensive plan to reinforce legal ethics, strengthen judicial independence, and expand mentorship programs for young lawyers. He also pledged to push for greater transparency in the judiciary and to engage in public interest litigation to safeguard civil liberties.
The LNBA, he noted, is not just a professional body but a justice movement. He called on legal practitioners to lead in the fight for social justice and ensure that Liberia’s legal system remains a pillar of fairness and democracy.
Addressing ongoing challenges in the legal sector, Cllr. Varmah highlighted delays in court proceedings, corruption, and unequal access to justice as key issues that require urgent reforms. He reaffirmed the LNBA’s commitment to advocating for an efficient, transparent, accessible judiciary.
In collaboration with the Supreme Court, the association aims to improve the quality of legal opinions and enhance judicial reviews, a power granted by the 1986 Constitution to provide clarity and finality in legal disputes.
Cllr. Varmah stressed that public trust in the judiciary is paramount, as it remains the only branch of government with the constitutional mandate to uphold national stability through legal interpretation.
He concluded by emphasizing that a strong and independent judiciary is essential for protecting democracy and human rights in Liberia, pledging that the LNBA will continue to be a staunch defender of constitutional governance.
