Renowned Liberian lawyer and political figure, Cllr. Tiawon S. Gongloe, has strongly condemned the recent actions of a faction within the Liberian House of Representatives, labeling them unconstitutional and damaging to Liberia’s democratic integrity.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Thinking Aloud About My Country, Liberia,” Gongloe criticized the self-proclaimed “majority bloc” in the House of Representatives for attempting to unseat the Speaker without securing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority vote.
“My fellow Liberians, I am deeply troubled by the recent conduct of certain members of the House of Representatives who unfortunately call themselves the so-called ‘majority bloc,’ a nomenclature that finds no support in the Constitution of Liberia,” Gongloe stated. “Their inability to garner the 49 votes—representing the two-thirds majority of the 73 lawmakers—to remove the sitting Speaker should have ended their quest.”
Gongloe described as “patently illegal” the decision of 43 representatives to proceed with electing an alternative Speaker despite failing to lawfully remove the incumbent. He cited the Supreme Court’s ruling that any action inconsistent with Articles 33 and 49 of the Liberian Constitution is ultra vires, thereby rendering the actions of the group null and void.
He further criticized the Executive Branch and the Liberian Senate for recognizing what he termed an “unconstitutional process.”
“Sadly, the Executive Branch and the Senate have chosen to recognize these actions, despite the Supreme Court’s stance. Such disregard for our own highest court’s decision is a flagrant violation of the Constitution of Liberia,” he asserted.
Gongloe commended the current Speaker for filing a Bill of Information to the Supreme Court to alert the judiciary of the ongoing breach of its ruling. He urged all Liberians to keenly await the Court’s judgment on the matter.
He further warned that the conduct of the “majority block” has severely tarnished Liberia’s international reputation, highlighting that Liberia was once respected for diplomatic etiquette and adherence to democratic principles. He lamented that, under the current administration, official conduct in public office is deteriorating at an alarming rate.
“Historically, Liberia has been counted among those nations—not just in Africa—whose government officials understood diplomacy and etiquette in handling official matters, even where they disagree,” he said. “Yet today, under this regime, decency in official conduct is fast declining.”
He particularly condemned the refusal of the dissident lawmakers to engage with two ECOWAS delegations, including one led by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and another by esteemed diplomat Professor Ibrahim Gambari.
“It is appalling that these dissident lawmakers — breakers of our organic law — refused to cooperate with two ECOWAS delegations,” Gongloe stated. “From all indications, this so-called ‘majority bloc’ was openly disrespectful and plainly rude to both delegations.”
He emphasized the pivotal role played by ECOWAS, particularly Nigeria, in restoring peace to Liberia and called the lawmakers’ attitude toward Professor Gambari—who has held high-profile roles at the United Nations and the African Union—disgraceful and counterproductive to Liberia’s diplomatic standing.
“No patriotic and informed Liberian will ever disrespect anyone representing ECOWAS in Liberia under any circumstance,” he asserted. “Additionally, no well-informed Liberian who knows about Liberia’s role in world history will ever conduct himself in the manner in which members of the ‘majority bloc’ are conducting themselves.”
Gongloe warned that this legislative crisis, if left unchecked, could jeopardize Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He reminded lawmakers of Liberia’s historic role in the formation of international bodies such as the United Nations and the African Union, cautioning them against actions that undermine the country’s credibility on the global stage.
“This behavior we witness is not only an abuse of power; it is a notorious display of ignorance and naïveté—unbefitting the most basic standards for lawmakers,” he said. “One must ask in frustration: What kind of country is this becoming when our representatives blatantly disregard the rule of law, the Constitution, and the counsel of regional institutions that helped secure the peace we enjoy today?”
Despite his deep concerns, Gongloe expressed unwavering hope for Liberia’s future, rallying all patriotic citizens to stand firm in defense of the rule of law.
“I remain an eternal optimist and cannot give up on Liberia. In the words of soldiers at the battlefront, I say to all well-meaning Liberians at home and abroad: ‘No retreat, no surrender!’ The struggle for a better Liberia must continue until we elect and appoint officials who tenaciously hold the conviction that government is a place to serve, not to steal.”
He called on Liberians to remain vigilant and committed to upholding the rule of law, emphasizing that the country’s democratic values must not be sacrificed at the altar of political expediency.
“Liberia’s status as a beacon of democracy in Africa is at stake, and no one who truly loves this country should stand idly by while the Constitution is trampled underfoot,” he declared. “We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the legacy of all those who fought for our democracy to reject such unconstitutional, shameful actions.”
Gongloe concluded with a fervent prayer for Liberia’s return to constitutional governance, urging national leaders to uphold the principles upon which the nation was founded.
