By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Liberia National Bar Association through its national President, Cllr. Bono M. Varmah has warned the Government of Liberia headed by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai against what the Bar sees as persistent constitutional violation.
The BAR averred that recent events have exposed threats to Liberia’s constitutional democracy thereby leading to violations of fundamental rights, questionable executive actions, and disregard for judicial decisions, judicial inactions and avoidance as well as Legislative overreach.
Therefore, the National Bar says it will not sit to allow the continuation of constitutional violations. “Recent events have exposed threats to our constitutional democracy.” The LNBA said. “Violations of fundamental rights, questionable executive actions, and disregard for judicial decisions, judicial inactions and avoidance as well as Legislative overreach undermine the very fabric of our democracy.”
The Bar continues, “As an association of legal professionals, we must speak truth to
power, hold institutions accountable, and push for legal reforms that strengthen governance, human rights, and social justice.”
The Varmah made the call on Friday, January 31, 2025, when he delivered his inaugural address as President of the Liberia National Bar Association – stating that the LNBA will continue to engage with policymakers to ensure that the Constitution is upheld and that legal reforms reflect the aspirations
of the Liberian people.
“The LNBA will continue to engage with policymakers to ensure that the
The Constitution is upheld and legal reforms reflect the aspirations of the Liberian people. The Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring constitutional compliance by all branches of government.”
The LNBA President asserted that to address constitutional violations, the LNBA under his leadership will strengthen professional ethics and accountability within the legal profession, advocate for an impartial and independent judiciary, expand legal education and mentorship programs for young lawyers, and engage in public interest litigation to defend human rights and civil liberties and as well as promote judicial transparency and efficiency.
He asserted that a vibrant Bar is not just an association, it is a movement for justice,
and we must ensure that the LNBA is at the forefront of this movement.
The newly inducted President of the Liberia National Bar Association hypnotized that the Democracy of Liberia is incomplete. Stating that the appointment of paramount, clan, and town undermines Article 56b of the 1986 Constitution and the decentralization process.
“Liberia’s Democracy is incomplete and calls for action: Article 56 (b) of the 1986 Constitution provides: “There shall be elections of paramount, clan, and town chiefs by the registered voters in their respective localities, to serve for a term of six years. They may be re-elected and removed only by the President for cause. Despite this constitutional mandate, Liberia has historically appointed chiefs rather than electing them.
This has been widely criticized as undermining local democracy and the
decentralization process.”
He added that the election of chiefs and decentralization of local government would empower local communities and strengthen grassroots governance. He added that Elected chiefs would have more legitimacy than appointed ones, making them more accountable to their people rather than the executive branch. And will further promote the reduction of Political Influence on Chiefs. Asserting that appointed chiefs often serve the interests of the government rather than their local communities.
Therefore, the BAR called on stakeholders to empower the National Elections Commission (NEC) to organize regular chief elections in line with the Constitution. He added that the government should allocate resources for local elections as part of Liberia’s local governance efforts.
