Monrovia – Monrovia – In a major breach with the Supreme Court of Liberia, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, in an address to the nation late Thursday, broke ranks with the Supreme Court and pledged to continue working with the breakaway bloc of the lower house of the national legislature.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
While reaffirming his commitment to constitutional democracy and a functional government, the president said his administration will continue to work with what he described as a “functioning quorum” to ensure the effective running of government.
“Fellow Liberians, our Constitution and the Supreme Court have defined what constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business in the Legislature. We intend to vigorously uphold this vital principle of our constitutional democracy. We will continue to work with the quorum that will ensure the full functioning of our government,” the President said.
Responding to the Supreme Court of Liberia regarding the legislative impasse in the House of Representatives, President Boakai acknowledged the Court’s ruling on the Bill of Information, which declared the actions of the current Majority Bloc in the House as unconstitutional. In its Wednesday’s ruling, the Court called for the House to operate strictly in accordance with the law and constitutional procedures.
The President’s statement has sparked renewed debate, as it appears to stand in contrast to the Supreme Court’s determination that the actions of the current Majority Bloc—purportedly representing the quorum—are illegal.
His address come amid calls for him to respect the court’s ruling.
Top opposition figures including former president George Weah and Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress have called on his government adhere by the court’s ruling.
President Boakai, however, noted that the ruling does not resolve the broader division within the House of Representatives, which has persisted for months, stalling key legislative activities and drawing public concern.
“The House of Representatives’ problem remains unresolved,” he said. “Accordingly, my government has already initiated broad consultations with relevant national stakeholders to determine the most appropriate and constitutionally sound path forward.”
He revealed that the consultations include traditional leaders and other national figures, and are part of efforts to protect Liberia’s democratic institutions while upholding the principle of separation of powers.
While reaffirming respect for the Constitution, President Boakai emphasized the urgent need to maintain governance and public service delivery.
As the situation unfolds, observers and legal experts continue to analyze the implications of the President’s stance, particularly in light of the Court’s binding interpretation of the law.
