LNBA Pres, Cllr. Varmah Asserts
PHOTO: LNBA Pres. Bornor M. Varmah
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia- The President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) Bornor M. Varmah has stressed the need to ensure a transparent and accountable judiciary by upholding ethical standards and accountability, which he said is key is upholding public trust and sustaining the integrity of the legal system.
When this is done, the LNBA President said, democratic governance in Liberia will be advanced.
Cllr. Varmah made the statement in response to the Chief Justice opening address named on the Judiciary Branch of Government based on the spending of the judiciary.
The Bar President spoke on Monday, March 10, 2025, during the opening of the March A.D. Term of Court when he joined the Chief Justice in commending President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for compliance with the Financial Autonomy Act of 2006, as he called for accountability in the Judiciary.
Section 21.6 of the New Judiciary Law, under the caption “Deposit of Fees, Costs and Other Revenue Collected by Courts”, states: Courts costs, fees, fines, etc. The Supreme Court is hereby empowered to fix from time to time by rules and regulations all fees, costs, and per diem for clerks of courts in civil actions, magisterial courts, justice of the peace courts, allowance of costs to prevailing parties represented by counsel in civil actions, witness fees, marshal fees, sheriff fees, juror fees, and any other fees, costs, and per diem it deems proper and reasonable, taking into consideration the present circumstances of the country.
All such fees, costs, per diem shall be published by the Supreme Court and posted at each court in the Republic, the same to take effect and be applicable no sooner than a period of three months from the date of publication of the same. 2. Deposit of Funds. All such fees, fines, and costs shall be collected by the Judiciary and deposited into the account of the Judiciary, and the Minister of Finance shall be informed of the deposits such that the amount so deposited shall, from time to time, be deducted from the approved quarterly budgetary appropriations.”
“This milestone reflects the government’s commitment to upholding judicial independence, good governance, and the rule of law,” Cllr. Varmah said.
While acknowledging the progress, Cllr. Varmah underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to the Judiciary.
According to him, the financial autonomy must be accompanied by responsible stewardship to ensure that resources are effectively utilized in strengthening the justice system, improving access to justice, and enhancing public confidence in the Judiciary.
The Bar President called for stringent financial oversight, periodic auditing, and adherence to best financial management practices to guarantee that funds at the Judiciary’s disposal serve their intended purpose.
Cllr. Varmah stated that the Bar remains committed to advocating for judicial independence, accountability, and the overall improvement of the legal profession in the country.
The LNBA President said he remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the rule of law, upholding legal ethics, and ensuring that justice is served for all Liberians.
“We appreciate the Supreme Court’s leadership in maintaining judicial integrity and will continue to work collectively with all stakeholders in advancing our legal system,” he said.
Cllr. Varmah then, acknowledged the constraints faced by the judiciary; adding that, the solution cannot be one that effectively denies justice to those who need it the most.
“The principle of fair trial is enshrined in our laws and international commitments; every accused person, regardless of financial status, deserves legal representation,” Varmah said.
To address the challenge according to the LNBA President, he strongly recommended a Urgent Stakeholder Dialogue to include the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, LNBA and other legal stakeholders must come together to find sustainable solutions that ensure continued legal representation at the magisterial level.
Also, Cllr Varmah named Strengthening Pro Bono Legal Services while the LNBA has consistently promoted pro bono services; as he called on the government to provide greater institutional support to ensure lawyers can offer free representation without financial hardship.
He recommended that the Chief Justice should reconsider her position and explore alternative means of addressing whatever rationale led to the withdrawal of public defenders from the magisterial courts across the country.
Cllr. Varmah said the LNBA position is supported and founded in Article 21(c) of the 1986 Constitution.
Reminding Magistrates of their legislative mandate, Varmah joined in emphasizing the critical role of magistrates in the justice system.
The Bar President said it is imperative that they remain cognizant of the legislative intents behind their establishment, ensuring that their conduct and decisions align with the principles of fairness, impartiality, and justice that their offices embody.
“We commend the Supreme Court’s swift actions in addressing unacceptable conduct within the judiciary,” the Bar added.
He mentioned that upholding ethical standards is essential for maintaining public trust, and decisive measures against misconduct which reinforce the integrity of the legal system.At the same time, Cllr. Varmah spoke on the rebranding of the Judiciary; adding that, the process should not be a mere structural or procedural reform.
He said it should be about restoring public trust, strengthening judicial independence and ensuring that justice is delivered efficiently and impartially.
The Bar President: “Our judiciary must be seen as a beacon of integrity, where citizens irrespective of status can find fair and timely adjudication of their duties.”
According to him, rebranding requires more than just pronouncements; but it necessitates to holistic approach including judicial transparency and accountability.
He mentioned that the public must have confidence that judicial decisions are free from external influence and undue political considerations.