Monrovia – The House of Representatives on Tuesday took a controversial step by passing a resolution that seeks to retroactively validate all legislative actions and decisions made by the breakaway “Majority Bloc” earlier this year, including the 2025 National Budget.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected]
This move comes despite the Supreme Court of Liberia’s ruling that these actions were unconstitutional and illegal.
The resolution, which was read during plenary by Chief Clerk Mildred Siryon, confers full legal legitimacy on all instruments passed by the faction of lawmakers who operated under disputed leadership. This group attempted to unseat former Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and continued legislative operations without an officially elected Speaker, an action deemed illegal by Liberia’s highest court.
The ratification includes the controversial 2025 National Budget, as well as various legislative and administrative decisions that the Supreme Court invalidated in April 2025. By adopting this resolution, the House now seeks to officially recognize these actions as lawful and binding, effectively overturning the court’s prior ruling through legislative means.
Montserrado County District 16 Representative Dixon Seboe, who was formerly part of the suspended bloc loyal to Speaker Koffa, moved the motion to pass the resolution and submit it to the Senate for concurrence. In his remarks, Rep. Seboe emphasized reconciliation and national stability.
“Some of us, who were suspended, had those suspensions rescinded and were paid our salaries and benefits. Today’s action solidifies and ensures every other action we took is ratified for the sake of our country Liberia,” Seboe stated.
The motion received a second and passed unanimously without debate, signaling a House eager to close a tumultuous chapter marked by internal divisions. The resolution was promptly sent to the Liberian Senate, which now faces the decision to approve or reject the contentious measure.
The resolution has triggered strong criticism from the legal community, with experts warning it undermines the authority of the Supreme Court and breaches constitutional principles. The Supreme Court, under Article 65 of the Liberian Constitution, is the ultimate arbiter of constitutional questions, and its decisions are binding on all branches of government.
Former Solicitor General and constitutional expert Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe told FrontPage Africa that the resolution represents a dangerous legislative overreach.
“The Supreme Court under Article 65 is the final arbiter of all constitutional issues and nobody can refuse its rulings,” Gongloe said. “The proper response after the Court declared the ‘Majority Bloc’ illegitimate was to redo the budget hearing process—even if only for a single day.”
He emphasized that the National Budget is a statute that requires a formal legislative process for enactment, including hearings and public participation. “It cannot be validated by a mere resolution passed after the fact,” Gongloe said. “Without following the constitutional process, the budget remains unlawful.”
Legal analysts warn that the House’s resolution sets a dangerous precedent for circumventing judicial rulings through legislative fiat, potentially destabilizing Liberia’s fragile democratic institutions. Critics argue that this approach erodes respect for the rule of law, weakens judicial authority, and risks further legal chaos.
Cllr. Gongloe also noted that under the 2017 Public Financial Management Act, the government may only legally disburse one-twelfth of the previous year’s budget when a new budget has not been duly passed by the Legislature. “Any expenditures beyond that limit may be considered illegal,” he said, highlighting the fiscal implications of the ongoing dispute.
A renowned lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the House was still proceeding wrongly. He emphasized that what the Supreme Court has already declared illegal cannot be made legal.
“You cannot legalize what the Supreme Court has already ruled as illegal,” he said. “But at the very least, their acknowledgment shows that they now realize their actions were unlawful.”
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives became embroiled in a leadership crisis when a faction known as the “Majority Bloc” attempted to remove Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa and operate under self-appointed leadership. This group conducted legislative business, including passing the national budget, despite lacking constitutional legitimacy.
In response, members loyal to Speaker Koffa petitioned the Supreme Court, which ruled that the breakaway bloc’s actions were ultra vires and unconstitutional. The Court ordered the restoration of legitimate leadership and nullified the decisions made by the faction, including the 2025 budget.
Despite the Court’s clear ruling, the House now seeks to retroactively legitimize these actions through the newly passed resolution, citing the need for national stability and continuity of governance.
The resolution is currently before the Liberian Senate for concurrence. Observers await the Senate’s decision, which will either reinforce the House’s position or uphold constitutional orthodoxy by insisting on adherence to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
The Senate’s response will be closely watched as a critical indicator of the balance of power between Liberia’s legislative and judicial branches, as well as the country’s commitment to constitutional governance.
