By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
A fresh wave of controversy has emerged within the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) following a public statement by its President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, criticizing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the Bill of Information filed by embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The ruling affirmed that Rep. Fonati Koffa remains the legitimate Speaker of the House, declaring the majority bloc led by Rep. Richard Koon as unconstitutionally operating.
However, the statement from the LNBA President has not received the full backing of the association’s leadership. In an exclusive conversation with FrontPage Africa, the Vice President of the LNBA, Cllr. F. Juah Lawson, openly distanced herself from the remarks, clarifying that the statement was made by Cllr. Varmah in his personal capacity, not on behalf of the Bar Association.
“I’m not aware of that press statement. I’m not in support of that statement. I’m not going to own that statement because that statement is a statement of the Liberia National Bar Association President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah as an individual and not the LNBA,” Cllr. Lawson stated firmly. “I advised the President about getting to the Executive Committee to review any statement before publication, and he did not listen.”
The internal disagreement has sparked debate within legal and political circles, raising concerns about due process within the Bar Association and the implications of public comments made by its leadership on sensitive judicial matters.
Observers say the development could further polarize opinions on the controversial Speaker’s dispute, as well as challenge the cohesion and credibility of the LNBA at a time when its impartiality is crucial to upholding the rule of law.
The Bar Association has yet to issue an official clarification on whether Cllr. Varmah’s remarks represent its institutional stance.
