Brewerville – As Liberia continues to navigate a growing constitutional dilemma within its legislative branch, Bishop Kortu K. Brown has added his voice to calls for judicial clarity, urging the Supreme Court to issue a definitive and comprehensible ruling in the high-profile House of Representatives leadership dispute.
By Obediah Johnson | [email protected]
The prominent Liberian clergyman and civil society leader says the ongoing political impasse — where the country is caught between two competing claims to the Speaker’s gavel — is undermining both public confidence and the effectiveness of President Joseph Boakai’s fledgling administration.
“This shouldn’t be a moment for more confusion. We need clarity, not complication,” Bishop Brown emphasized during an interview on Sunday, April 20, at his church in Brewerville, outside Monrovia.
His remarks come in anticipation of a pivotal Supreme Court ruling expected on April 24, concerning a Bill of Information filed by embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa. The case stems from a contested vote by a majority of lawmakers to remove Koffa, triggering an extended legal showdown.
The legal and political saga began last year when Koffa was ousted by a coalition of lawmakers. In response, he filed a Bill of Information to the Supreme Court, challenging the removal and accusing the Justice Ministry of misinterpreting a prior ruling from the court. The arguments in the case, presented by legal teams representing Koffa and rival Majority Leader Richard Koon, have already been heard.
As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s judgment, Bishop Brown stresses the importance of a decision that speaks plainly to all Liberians — not just legal practitioners.
“The Supreme Court must go beyond legal jargon this time,” he said. “Liberians are confused, and the law must speak in a language they understand. This isn’t just about the lawyers — it’s about the people, the peace, and the credibility of our democratic process.”
According to Bishop Brown, the court has a broader role to play in ensuring national unity. While Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Youh has maintained that court rulings are traditionally interpreted by attorneys for their clients, Bishop Brown warned against selective or politically motivated readings of the decision.
“We respect the law, but the law must also reflect the reality and needs of our people. If we have lawyers spinning the ruling in favor of their clients, the confusion will persist. We can’t afford that.”
He further cautioned that Liberia risks becoming a subject of international ridicule if it continues to function with what he described as “two Speakers,” a situation he called both embarrassing and unsustainable.
Beyond the legal implications, Bishop Brown believes the leadership controversy is draining attention and energy from pressing national development issues.
“This crisis has overshadowed the good intentions of the new government. While President Boakai is trying to move the country forward, we’re stuck debating who the legitimate Speaker is,” he said.
He emphasized that the religious community has engaged all sides in an effort to mediate the crisis, but insisted that ultimate responsibility lies with national leaders.
“We’ve spoken with all sides. Leaders must show maturity. When there is conflict in your home, you don’t wait for others to fix it—you take responsibility.”
As judgment day approaches, Bishop Brown urged all stakeholders to accept the forthcoming Supreme Court decision and prioritize national interest over political ambition.
“Our leaders must rise above personal interest and put Liberia first. The Capitol Building isn’t just a structure — it’s the seat of our democracy. What happened there recently should never happen again.”
He concluded his remarks with a plea for unity, accountability, and peace, reminding Liberians that history will remember how the nation handled this pivotal moment.
“Let us move forward together. The people are watching. History is watching. And we, the church and civil society, are praying that wisdom prevails.”
With the Supreme Court’s ruling on April 24 likely to determine the future leadership of the House of Representatives, Liberians from all walks of life are waiting not only for a verdict —but for a clear path forward in a time of political uncertainty.
