–Prioritizes Promoting Justice, Defending Rule Of Law
Team Sayeh, a conglomeration of legal professionals in support of Cllr. G. Wiefueh Alfred Sayeh for the presidency of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), has officially unveiled their vision and plan for the advancement of the legal profession in Liberia, as well as the promotion of justice and the defense of the rule of law—if their candidate wins the up-coming LNBA election, slated for Saturday, November 30, 2024 in Ganta, Nimba County.
Team Sayeh revealed that Liberia stands at a critical juncture, where legal practitioners must strengthen the legal institutions and uphold the integrity of the Judiciary, and that Cllr. Sayeh is best suited to lead the LNBA at this time. The team observed that the candidate envisions to address key challenges in the legal system while fostering growth, collaboration and mentorship among the members.
In a 10-count agenda, Team Sayeh disclosed that one of the foremost challenges of the judicial system is the prolonged duration of trials, which often leads to a backlog of cases and delayed justice; as such, if elected, Cllr. Sayeh would work closely with the Judiciary and other stakeholders to initiate reforms aimed at streamlining trial procedures, and will involve proposing amendments to civil and criminal procedural laws to reduce delays, advocating for the adoption of digital case management systems to enhance efficiency, and collaborating with judges to create stricter timelines for trial processes while ensuring the right to a fair hearing.
The team, in their undisputable knowledge about the nation’s legal jurisprudence, pointed out that the legal landscape requires a more efficient appellate system to handle the increasing number of cases, and to this end Cllr. Sayeh will advocate for the creation of appellate courts in strategic regions. According to them, this initiative will help to decongest the Supreme Court by allowing appellate courts to handle intermediate appeals; improve access to justice by brining appellate courts closer to the people; and work with the relevant Legislative and Executive authorities to ensure the passage of the necessary legal framework and budgetary allocations.
The team emphasized public education on judicial proceedings, outreach and civic education by partnering with civil society organizations to conduct workshops, collaborating with the media to promote simplified programs on legal issues, and organizing town hall meetings and forums to engage communities on issues like human rights, legal aid and access to justice.
Team Sayeh proposed the establishment of a senior lawyers advisory council, where senior counsellors with wealth of experience and knowledge will provide strategic guidance on key legal and Constitutional matters, serve as a resource for critical legal reforms and policy recommendations and act as a bridge between generations of lawyers to foster an exchange of wisdom and experience that will enrich the practice of law in Liberia.
The detailed manifesto explained, in toto, what is in it for the LNBA and the larger society if Cllr. Sayeh wins the bar election, taking into consideration mentoring of younger attorneys, strengthening legal aid and pro bono services, collaborating with regional and international bar associations, and promoting ethical standards and accountability within the legal profession. It underscored that the integrity of the legal profession rests on the ethical conduct of its members, and that Cllr. Sayeh’s leadership will enforce strict disciplinary measures for unethical behavior to maintain the high standards of the profession and implement continuing ethics training for all members, ensuring that professionalism and accountability remain at the core of the practice.
Meanwhile, the face-bearer of Team Sayeh, Cllr. G. Wiefueh Alfred Sayeh, has called on members of the legal profession to support his vision for the LNBA and vote for him as they embark on the journey to reshape the future of the LNBA and contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.
“My vision for the LNBA is one where we lead with purpose, advocate with integrity, and uplift the legal profession in the service of justice. As your President, I commit to fostering a more inclusive, efficient, and accountable legal system that truly serves the people of Liberia. Together, we can build a stronger, more just Liberia by ensuring that the law works for everyone, everywhere,” Cllr. Sayeh maintained.