MONROVIA–The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has successfully completed its 2024 annual assembly, adapting many resolution including, taking the lead to collaborate with all civil society organizations in leading a robust awareness campaign on the establishment of the war and economic crimes court in Liberia.
The two days event under the theme “ADDRESSING THE GENERAL QUESTION OF IMPUNITY IN LIBERIA AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR LIBERIA’S RULE OF LAW SYSTEM”, took place at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town over the weekend, bringing together hundreds of Liberian lawyers and other local and international Partners of the bar. The program highlighted several issues affecting the rule of law system including the importance of providing Pro-Bono Legal Aid Services, the role of the court, land authority, bureau of achieves in enhancing social and economic development through the protection of legitimate land ownership.
Serving as a keynote speaker of the 2024 assembly, was the LNBA and immediate paste president and former presidential candidate, Cllr. Tiawan S. Gongloe, who call on members of the Liberian bar to rally support so as to engage the Liberian Senate to speedily pass the bill seeking the establishment of the war and economic crimes court as a means of ending the culture of Impunity in the Liberian society.
Meanwhile, The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia Her honor Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, making a remark at the opening of the ceremony frowned at Liberians for promoting what she considered as “domino effect of Impunity” across the country, which is leading to disrespect for the rule of law system.
Despite the impudence from the society, the Chief Justice vows to collaborate with the Justice ministry in enforcing the rule of law to the fullest.
For his part, the president of the Bar Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie delivering his annual report, recall the passing to the internal glory of six lawyer under review including His honor Justice Joseph N Nagbe, Associate Justice of the supreme court of Liberia.
He further mentioned the efforts of the legal aid committee, by highlighting 245 number of cases that were resolved on the Pro-bono basis in five counties, thanking lawyers of said committee for volunteering.
Cllr. Rennie, therefore assured members of the bar that the ground flow of the Bar’s headquarters will be mad habitable before his leadership leaves power.
He however cautioned his fellow lawyers to remain committed to the profession especially in discharge of their duties, taking into account the statement from Liberia’s 26th president Joseph N. Boakai that the judiciary system is corrupt.
The end of the event was marked with draft and adapted resolution such as;
*The LNBA should Institutionalize Pro-Bono Legal service to the extend possible, where lawyers are encouraged to provide annual pro-Bono legal services.
*That the LNBA Collaborate with the Liberia Land Authority to renew, access, and symbolize fees charge for investigative services amongst many others.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
