The President of the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia Cllr. Philomena Williams said judicial actors have a very key role to play in combating corruption and in strengthening accountability in the judicial sector of the Country.
Making reference to the Theme of the Assembly, “The LNBA and the fight against corruption, Strengthening accountability in the judicial sector, she pointed out that for external enforcement mechanisms to be affective, as anti- corruption advocates, the bar has an obligation to set for itself a compliance based approach focusing on internal operation.
More compellingly, Cllr. Williams pointed out that the bar can support and strengthen accountability in the Judicial sector by promoting ethical standards.
The AFELL’S Head undercored that the rule of Law is a core principle of accountability, adding that it is the crust of a viable judicial sector which is critical to the fight against corruption.
“Let us be very clear, whether it is the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of Government as well as citizens, we are all subject to the law”, she added.
Cllr. Williams challenged her colleagues to work to preserve their independence and integrity and uphold the honor and dignity of the courts in order to effectively and efficiently fight corruption and strengthen the judicial sector,
“My dear colleagues good lawyers we were made and great lawyers we must remain without fear or favor”, she noted.
Speaking on other issues while acknowledging the work done by Supreme Court over the period, the AFELL boss congratulated the Yuoh’s bench for opinions rendered sanctioning lawyers, magistrates, and Judges for unethical practices.
According to her, The Yuoh bench has demonstrated a strong system of internal accountability to bring judicial actors to face disciplinary actions and by the imposition of penalties consistent with the law.
“You have made the point that effecting accountability in the judicial sector is crucial for maintaining public trust in the justice system”, she reechoed.
She at the same time commended the outgoing Chief Justice for being firm and excellent in upholding the Constitution and Laws of Liberia.
In a drive to further promote the empowerment of prepared , competent and qualified women, AFELL boss used the ocassion to call on President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to replace the outgoing female Chief Justice to a new female Chief Justice.
“If he believes in his ARREST AGENDA, and is determined to achieve the component under the Rule of Law, he must appoint a female Chief Justice and a female Associate Justice”, Cllr. Williams reemphasized.
She at the same time challenge officials of the Bar Association to progressively accelerate their action and champion positive change for the enchancement of the bar in assisting the President.
