The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), has called on both the House of Representatives Majority and Minority Blocs and their supporters, to act with maturity and in a manner that is consistent with democratic values and the rule of law. Speaking during a press conference, the Bar President- Bornor M. Varmah, said as statutory and competent body responsible for upholding the rule of law and defending the integrity of the Judiciary system, the Bar has taken due notice of the public interest surrounding the pending decision of the Supreme Court of Liberia in the case of Fonati Koffa versus Richard Nagbe Koon and members of the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives. Cllr. Varmah spoke of the Bar’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic governance. He stated that the LNBA requests that the general public remains calm and peaceful as they await the considered opinion of the Supreme Court. “The Judiciary must be given the space to render its judgment free of pressure, intimidation and undue influence from any quarter,” LNBA President Varmah noted. He stressed that LNBA categorically condemns all threats, counter-threats and inflammatory statements from any side, noting that such actions serve no purpose but to undermine public confidence in the judicial process and the country’s democracy. The Bar President reminded all citizens and political actors that the peace, democracy and institutional stability are underpinned by the respect, ” we accord our laws and legal institutions, we therefore urge everyone to be law-abiding and to conduct themselves responsibly both now and after the court renders its decision.” Cllr. Varmah indicated that the LNBA unequivocally condemns any form or plan of violence, whether before or after the issuance of the Supreme Court’s opinion. The LNBA President noted that while it is the right of every citizen to disagree with a judicial decision, such disagreement must be expressed through lawful, constructive and peaceful means. Varmah revealed that the integrity and independence of the Judiciary are essential pillars of democracy. “We emphasize that while you may critique, analyze, and even dissect the court’s decision in the spirit of democratic engagement, we are all under a natural duty to respect and abide by whatever ruling the high court may renders,” Cllr. Varmah said.
He stated that the LNBA has taken note of growing public discourse and speculations suggesting interference by the Executive Branch of Government in the work of the Supreme Court of Liberia, particularly concerning the pending ruling in the Bill of Information currently before the court.
He also reminded the public that the Constitution of Liberia guarantees the separation of powers among the three branches of government, with the Judiciary serving as an independent and co-equal branch.
The LNBA President noted that the Supreme Court as the highest arbiter of justice must be allowed to discharge its constitutional mandate without fear, favor and undue influence from any quarter.