Monrovia – As the nation braces for the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Bill of information filed by embattled Speaker Fonatti Koffa and allies, which will determine the future of the Speakership in the House of Representatives, behind closed doors, intense lobbying is said to be underway, with several key political figures eyeing the coveted position of Speaker.
By: Selma Lomax, [email protected]
The stakes could not be higher, as the Supreme Court’s decision may either solidify the Majority Bloc’s hold on power or pave the way for a new leadership within the Legislature.
The dispute intensified after Speaker J. Fonati Koffa filed a Bill of Information with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Majority Bloc, led by Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, had violated the court’s December 6, 2024 ruling. Koffa’s legal team, led by Cllr. Arthur Johnson, accuses the Majority Bloc of operating without a valid quorum, thus breaching Liberia’s constitutional requirements.
The drama intensified in the wake of Justice Yamie Gbeisay’s controversial remarks during the February Term of Court Opening in Nimba County, where he declared that the Majority Bloc’s decisions were “ultra vires” (beyond their legal powers) due to the failure to elect a recognized Speaker. The ruling shook the foundations of the legislature, with some Majority Bloc members, like Bong County lawmaker Foday Fahnbulleh, dismissing the comments as “liquor talk.”
Meanwhile, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has voiced concern over the ongoing crisis, urging the Supreme Court to deliver a decisive ruling to prevent further destabilization of the Legislature.
As the court hearing approaches, speculation is rampant about who will emerge as the next Speaker of the House, depending on how the court rules.
Sources close to the matter suggest that several key players within the legislature are positioning themselves for the Speakership. Among them are Koon, Fallah, and Rep. Musa Hassan Bility.
FrontPageAfrica analyses the chances of those opting to become Speaker and Deputy Speaker should there be new elections.
Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon (UP, District #11, Montserrado Co.)
Richard Koon, who has served as Speaker amidst the controversy, seems to be in a precarious position. Despite maintaining a strong grip on the Majority Bloc, Koon is facing mounting pressure from both within his faction and from outside. Political insiders say that Koon has become increasingly isolated within the Majority Bloc, which is now reportedly split into factions — one supporting Koon and the other backing Fallah.
The divisions within the Majority Bloc have been exacerbated by Koon’s increasingly controversial actions, such as his self-appointed title as the “regime Speaker” and a recent incident where security guards were called to seize Rep. Yekeh Kolubah’s vehicle.
These actions have raised eyebrows in the corridors of power, with even President Joseph Boakai reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with Koon’s leadership. Though Koon denies any meeting with President Boakai, speculation is rife that the Executive Mansion may play a decisive role following the outcome of the legal battle.
If the Supreme Court rules against the Majority Bloc, Koon’s chances of retaining the Speakership could be slim, as he may find it difficult to secure the necessary support, especially without the backing of the Executive. However, Koon is said to be optimistic that he will hold onto the position regardless of the court’s ruling. The real question remains: will he continue to enjoy the support of key political players, particularly in the Executive?
Musa Hassan Bility (defunct Collaborating Political Parties, District #7, Nimba County)
Musa Hassan Bility, the Chairman of the Rule of Law Caucus, has long been rumored to have his eye on the Speaker’s position. Known for his wealth and influence within the House, Bility has built a network of allies, particularly within the Majority Bloc, and is said to have the support of 28 members from the Minority Bloc. His financial resources and ability to maintain loyalists in the Legislature give him a strong base, especially among those lawmakers facing suspension or other penalties from the Majority Bloc.
Bility’s ambition was evident during last year’s Speakership election, where he lost the Deputy Speaker position to Fallah. Bility’s camp is now reportedly negotiating for him to take the position of Deputy Speaker once more, with the possibility of securing key committee positions such as Rules, Order and Administration, and Ways, Means and Finance.
If the court rules in favor of Koffa and invalidates the Majority Bloc’s leadership, Bility could be well-positioned to seize the Speakership or, at the very least, play a major role in the new leadership structure.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Pangar Fallah, (expelled member, Coalition for Democratic Change, Dist #1, Lofa Co)
Thomas Fallah, the longest-serving member of the House with 19 years of experience, has been at the center of the leadership crisis since his defection from Speaker Koffa’s camp. As Deputy Speaker, Fallah’s support for the Majority Bloc was pivotal in its controversial grip on power.
Known for his strategic influence and deep connections within the Legislature, Fallah is regarded by many as a seasoned politician with a keen understanding of the inner workings of the House. His decision to break ranks with Koffa, whom critics have dubbed the “Liberian Brutus” for allegedly betraying the Speaker, has made Fallah a controversial figure.
Should the Supreme Court rule against Koffa’s petition and uphold the legitimacy of the Majority Bloc, Fallah is likely to retain his role as Deputy Speaker. However, if the court invalidates the Majority Bloc’s actions, Fallah will likely be forced to contend with a new era of leadership in the House. His next move will be critical in determining whether he remains a powerbroker in the legislature or is left sidelined by new leadership.
Embattled Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa (CDC, District #2, Grand Kru Co.)
Despite his public vow to resign if the court rules in his favor, Koffa’s stronghold on the Minority Bloc and his legal push to invalidate the Majority Bloc’s decisions could see him reclaim the Speakership. However, sources close to Koffa suggest that he is prepared to support whichever candidate emerges as the most suitable from his Minority Bloc, indicating that he may not be entirely focused on maintaining the position himself.
Koffa’s position as the last remaining member of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in the House makes his potential departure from the Speakership a significant blow to the party. However, if the Supreme Court rules in his favor, it is clear that the CDC would fight tooth and nail to retain the high-profile seat, especially considering the political vacuum left by Fallah’s expulsion from the party.
