Latest ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia into the power struggle at the House of House of Representatives does not only inflict a political wound on the “Majority Bloc” presided over by “Speaker” Richard Nagbe Koon, but exposes how the Executive Branch of government had been ill-advised and the Liberian Senate been misled.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
It can be recalled that when the Supreme Court first ruled on the matter in December of last year, the Executive Branch was advised by Justice Minister and Attorney General Oswald Tweh, to do business with the Majority Bloc on grounds that the highest court’s decision suggested that the Majority Bloc was operating legally.
In a statement issued amid different illegal interpretations by legal luminaries in the Supreme Court’s ruling due to lack of clarity, Min. Tweh conjured the Executive Branch to believe that the Court’s ruling suggested that the Majority Bloc’s action was legal.
“My reading of the Court’s opinion and analysis dictates that the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives met the constitutional requirements explicated by the Court to hold sessions and take decisions consistent with the laws of the country,” he stated at the time.
“The budgetary process can be legally carried out by the Majority Bloc provided they meet the standards laid out by the Supreme Court’s opinion. Any decisions made by them are constitutional, legal, and valid,” he among other things stated.
Min. Tweh’s interpretation did not only ill-advised the Executive Branch; it also misled the Liberian Senate to do legislative business with that group (Majority Bloc). Though minority Senators disagreed with the decision at the time, that didn’t stop the body from proceeding as legislative politics is contingent on numbers.
But on the contrary, ruling by the Supreme into a Bill of Information filed by embattled Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa declared that all actions/operations of the Majority Bloc are all illegal, thus suggesting how the Attorney General, who was tasked by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to clarify the Supreme Court’s ruling, misinterpreted the court’s opinion, wrongly advised the President and the Executive Branch as well as deceived the Senate.
The court on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 ruled that the actions of the Majority Bloc are “flagrant disregard for constitutional order,” thus nullifying all decisions/actions taken during their unsanctioned legislative sessions.
Speaker Koffa Wins Long-standing Political Battle, Commits to Reconciliation
This ruling by the final arbiter of justice in the country is a clear indication that embattled Speaker Koffa is the winner of the prolonged power wrangling that began on October 17, 2024.
But despite the court ruling in his favor, the embattled Speaker Koffa has committed to reconciling that august body.
The Grand Kru County Electoral District #2 Representative has vowed to reach out to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and “self-proclaimed” Speaker Richard Koon in establishing a joint reconciliation and transitional committee.
“I will reach out to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Honorable Richard Koon so that we can establish a joint reconciliation and transitional committee. I am not unmindful that reconciliation and progress may require that I make the ultimate sacrifice, and I am not unwilling to pay that price. But please let us show this nation how democracies are built,” stated Speaker Koffa on the outcome of the ruling.
Genesis of the power tussle
A group of over 40 lawmakers of the House of Representatives in October of last year crafted a Resolution to remove Speaker Koffa of alleged abuse of power, coupled with his continued involvement in private legal work.
This, they said, directly violates the House’s own Rule 45.1, which mandates members to withdraw from matters in which they have an interest, and Rule 45.2, which prohibits members from engaging in occupations that are incompatible with their legislative responsibilities.
The Majority Bloc maintained that these clear violations tarnish the image and prestige of the House and undermine public trust in our institution.
Allegations of Budget Manipulation
Among the charges levied against Speaker Koffa was the accusation of budget manipulation, which then fueled much of the discord within the House.
Lawmakers alleged that Speaker Koffa used his office to divert funds for personal gain and failed to account for significant sums, including the contentious $9.7 million collected during his tenure as Deputy Speaker.
These claims became a focal point as the Majority Bloc argued that these alleged actions disqualify him from continuing in his leadership role as Speaker.
The rival lawmakers under the umbrella of the “Majority Block,” led by
Nimba County Electoral District #5 Representative Samuel Kogar, then began holding separate sessions, thereby leading to an unending crisis within the House until yesterday, April 23, 2025.
