
Monrovia_The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) over the weekends, inducted its new leadership in a ceremony held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, marking the beginning of a new era for the Bar, with Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah taking the helm as President, replacing Cllr. Sylvester Rennie.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Others inducted in office include, Cllr. F. Juah Lawson as Vice President-elect, Cllr. Elisha Forkeyoh as Secretary General-elect, and Atty. Yemi Shobayo-Williams as Treasurer-elect.
The ceremony, attended by prominent state actors, featured key speeches from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, and the newly elected LNBA President, Cllr. Varmah, each emphasizing the importance of justice, legal reform, and professional integrity.
In his keynote address, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all Liberians.
“The rule of law is the foundation of any stable and civilized society,” President Boakai stated.
He underscored the necessity of maintaining an independent and professional legal community.
President Boakai congratulated the newly inducted LNBA leadership, emphasizing the critical role of legal practitioners in safeguarding democracy and ensuring justice.
“The rule of law is essential for the survival of any nation,” he added.
“Without it, justice falters, and the dreams of our people fade away.”
President Boakai further assured the LNBA, that his administration would continue to collaborate with the Bar to strengthen Liberia’s democratic institutions, improve legal education, and guarantee that justice remains accessible to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
For his part, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, in his inaugural address as President of the Bar, acknowledged the trust placed in him by LNBA members and expressed his deepest commitment to advancing the cause of justice and strengthening the legal profession in Liberia.
“This is not a position of privilege but one of great responsibility,” Cllr. Varmah said.
Cllr. Varmah also emphasized the role of the LNBA as a guardian of the Constitution and a vanguard of legal excellence.
He promised to work towards uniting the Bar, enhancing the welfare of its members, and ensuring that the LNBA remains a pillar of accountability and transparency in Liberia.
Cllr. Varmah further called for a focus on legal education, especially for young lawyers, and stressed the importance of promoting good governance and human rights.
He outlined his administration’s assurance to defend constitutionalism, advocate for judicial reforms, and hold the government accountable to the people.
“Under our leadership, the LNBA will continue to push for an impartial and independent judiciary, advocate for fair treatment under the law, and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” he affirmed.
The newly-elected LNBA President also highlighted key priorities for his tenure, including strengthening the ethics and accountability within the legal profession, enhancing public confidence in the Bar, and addressing constitutional violations.
He underscored the LNBA’s responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of Liberians, provide access to justice, and combat corruption.
Also delivering remarks, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, reflected on the significant leadership transitions in Liberia’s judiciary, including her appointment as the country’s third female Chief Justice.
She acknowledged the high expectations from various sectors of society, including the legal profession and the media, and emphasized the importance of maintaining the rule of law during transitions in leadership.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history,” Chief Justice Yuoh said.
Chief Justice Yuoh stressed that the law must remain an immutable force, unaffected by personal interests or political pressures.
She reminded the incoming LNBA leadership that their legacy will be defined by their positive impact on the legal profession and society.
“How will you give back to the legal profession and to your country?” she asked rhetorically, urging the Bar to address emerging legal issues and ensure that the legal system adapts to the challenges of the modern world.
Chief Justice Yuoh, at the same time, highlighted the importance of modernizing Liberia’s civil and criminal procedure laws to reduce delays and inefficiencies in the justice system.
She also emphasized the need for legal practitioners to expand into new areas of practice, such as intellectual property, environmental law, energy law, and cybersecurity law, to stay in line with global legal trends.
“Innovation should be at the heart of your leadership,” she advised while reminding the new leadership that ethical legal practices must remain a cornerstone of the LNBA.
The Chief Justice then underscored the importance of continuing legal education in keeping legal professionals updated on emerging legal fields.
She said: “The practice of law in Liberia has, at times, seemed stagnant.”
However. she urged the LNBA to prioritize professional development to ensure that lawyers are equipped to meet contemporary challenges.
The event also included discussions on the need for legal reforms in Liberia, with Cllr. Varmah and other attendees call for comprehensive updates to the country’s legal framework, including the introduction of a War and Economic Crimes Court to address past atrocities.
The new leadership of the LNBA is committed to advocating for reforms in the judiciary, improving the accessibility and efficiency of the legal system, and ensuring that Liberia’s democratic principles are upheld.
The induction ceremony closed with a renewed commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law.
As Cllr. Varmah and the new LNBA leadership take charge, they face the challenge of addressing Liberia’s legal and political issues while ensuring the continued professionalism and independence of the country’s legal community.