‘Lawyers are Guardians of Justice, Voice for the Voiceless’ -LNBA President Refreshes Minds of Colleagues

MONROVIA – The president of the Liberia National Bar Association, Cllr   Bornor Vamah, said lawyers are guardians of justice, voice for the voiceless, and the architects of a legal system that must serve all Liberians fairly and equitably.

Speaking Friday April 4, 2025 at the grounds of the Temple of justice, Cllr Varmah noted that there are challenges that confront lawyers, ranging from judicial independence, access to legal representation for the indigent, upholding constitutional democracy to ensuring accountability for past and present injustices but these should not distract practitioners from doing what is good. 

“This assembly is not just a routine gathering; it is a call to duty,” he said during celebrations of the Law Day by Liberian lawyers and partners. “It is an opportunity for us to reflect on our role in strengthening the justice system, advancing legal education, and advocating for reforms that promote accountability and good governance.”

 The LNBA National president said the legal profession should remain at the forefront of efforts to ensure that justice is not just an ideal, but a reality for every Liberian, that every lawyer must endeavor to recommit to the highest standards of legal practice and professional ethics, ensuring that the LNBA remains a beacon of integrity and justice in our society.

He continued: “This gathering is not just a customary event; rather, it is a fulfilment of our constitutional obligation as a professional body and an opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to the rule of law, access to justice, and the advancement of the legal profession in Liberia.”

According to the LNBA president, the LNBA remains a strong pillar in the legal framework of Liberia, and our role as advocates, defenders of human rights, and promoters of justice cannot be overstated, adding: “This Annual General Assembly provides us with an opportunity to assess our achievements, challenges, and future aspirations. It is a platform for professional development, strategic planning, and collective decision-making that will shape the course of legal practice in Liberia for years to come.”

Cllr Varmah said, “As we begin our discussions and engagements, I encourage all members to participate actively and constructively, keeping in mind our shared mission to enhance the administration of justice and uphold the ethical standards of our profession.”

Also speaking at the occasion was Montserrado County Senator Darius Dillion who called on actors in the judiciary sector to muster the spine to prosecute corrupt individuals.

He said the fight against corruption will only be effective if those in charge of the justice system take action.

“The justice system, those who head it, must muster the spine to punish bad behavior so that suspected corrupt individuals can be held accountable, and not everyone is seen as corrupt,” Dillon said, adding that when the system fails to take action, all public officials are seen as corrupt, making it hard to tell who is honest.

He also mentioned a plan to change the law so that corruption cases can be prosecuted up to fifteen years after they happen, instead of the current five years.

Senator Abraham Darius Dillon is a strong critic of corruption and is known for speaking out on issues of accountability and good governance.

Making remarks also was the standard bearer of the Alternative National Congress, Mr. Alexander Cummings. He said corruption has killed more Liberian than anything else in the country.

“Even as we speak today, many Liberian – hundreds or thousands – in our country today are suffering and dying from curable diseases and hunger from because corruption has eaten up our health system and millions of dollars of our resources have been taken away from our country because of corruption,” Mr Cummings said.

According to him, if any institutions in our country should fight corruption, it should be the legal profession or judiciary branch of government who should do so by upholding the tendency of accountability.

He admonished the chief justice and the LNBA to avoid plenty talks in other to focus on the fight against corruption.