Monrovia – The acrimonious leadership crisis in the House of Representatives shows no signs of abating despite the Majority Bloc’s efforts to consolidate control.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The dispute over control of the speakership is deepening again after embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa renewed his criticism of what he deems an “illegal removal” orchestrated by the Majority Bloc. In a dramatic turn of events, the minority bloc—now rebranded as the “Rule of Law Caucus”—returned to session under the gavel of Majority Bloc-elected Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon. While many had hoped this move would signal the beginning of a reconciliation process, it has only served to intensify the conflict.
This was at display when Speaker Koffa, addressing reporters at Roberts International Airport Upon his return from the United States on Saturday said : “As I told them, let them take the office. It’s not a fight—it’s a coup. They took the speakership in an illegal manner, so let them assume the office the same way,” he declared. “I think my colleagues are right to attend session. Due to our programs, we cannot challenge when we are not there. But my case is a little different. As Speaker, I cannot sit under a presiding officer who is presiding illegally.”
Koffa has spent much of this year abroad. While away, significant events transpired at the Capitol and the Temple of Justice in his absence. At the Capitol, his supporters reassembled and initiated legal proceedings against the Majority Bloc. In one incident, Representative Yekeh Kolubah vowed not to recognize Speaker Richard Koon and was forcibly removed from a session by the sergeant-at-arms and security personnel acting on Koon’s orders.
When questioned about returning to the House to help resolve the dispute, Koffa insisted that the crisis is not a mere political squabble but a coup executed by a group of lawmakers backed by the executive branch. He vowed not to return until the courts provide clarity on the matter, maintaining that he cannot participate in sessions presided over by someone he deems illegitimate.
Still maintaining his stance
The Majority Bloc-led House has repeatedly demanded that Koffa vacate the office in favor of their Speaker, Richard Koon. While Koffa was away, Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon allegedly wrote him a letter, and urged him to vacate his office, a move that he sharply denounced. Koffa accused those behind the letter of attempting to seize his office through the same “illegal means and the force of the Executive.”
He also cited remarks by Justice Minister Tweh, insisting that his interpretation of the situation had paved the way for what he calls “illegal acts.” Koffa declared he would not entertain any further discussions on the matter, adding that the Majority Bloc could proceed as they wished.
Disagreement over Koffa’s eviction
Meanwhile, confusion reigns in the chamber as Majority Bloc lawmakers debate how best to remove the Speaker’s belongings from his office. Some advocate a forceful clearance, while others recommend seeking judicial permission—a discord that led to a walkout by some lawmakers.
Koffa and his supporters have vowed to seek redress to the courts. In January, a petition to the Civil Law Court to declare the Majority Bloc’s actions unconstitutional and to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling was turned down. Judge George Smith dismissed the petition, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction. Koffa affirmed that he and his team would continue to await judicial clarification, including a bill of information to the Supreme Court to interpret its earlier ruling.
Koffa’s removal Backfiring?
In a related development that underscores the volatile political environment, a violent incident occurred on Saturday when Representative Prince Toles (UP, District #8, Montserrado County) was physically attacked by constituents on Perry Street in Monrovia. Toles, a prominent Majority Bloc supporter of Speaker Richard Koon, has been a vocal advocate for the removal of Speaker Koffa—a stance that has deeply polarized his district.
Toles, who narrowly defeated former Representative Acarous Moses Gray in the 2023 legislative elections, described the assault as politically motivated. “Those who suffered a huge defeat in 2023 will have to accept it and wait until 2029, when they will face an even worse setback from our people’s decision,” he posted on Facebook, underscoring the bitter divisions within District 8.
In the aftermath, Toles took to social media to condemn the violence, accusing supporters of Gray of orchestrating what he termed an “assassination attempt.” He expressed gratitude to the Liberia National Police for arresting one suspect, though he noted that other perpetrators remained at large. His comments conveyed both relief over the police’s intervention and frustration over the ongoing threat to his safety.
Gray, a key figure in the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and a prominent rival in District 8, quickly denied any involvement in the violence. In a social media post, Gray urged Toles to reconcile with his constituents and refrain from blaming him, emphasizing that he does not support violence in any form.
These events—both in the chambers of the House and on the streets of Monrovia—highlight the deepening political crisis in Liberia. With factions entrenched and legal battles ongoing, the dispute over Speaker Koffa’s removal continues to raise critical questions about the future of Liberia’s democracy amid a climate of heightened polarization.
