Monrovia – Justice-in-Chambers Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has declined to issue a stay order on proceedings by the House Majority Bloc, requested by Speaker Fonati Koffa.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In addition, Justice Gbeisay has lifted the writ of prohibition previously imposed on the Majority Bloc.
“By directive of His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby informed that the Justice has declined to issue the writ prayed for. Meanwhile, the stay order of October 25, 2024, is hereby lifted,” announced Justice Gbeisay’s ruling, conveyed by Cllr. Sam Mankilu, Clerk of the Supreme Court.
Justice Gbeisay has been at the center of the ongoing House of Representatives leadership dispute, with members of the Majority Bloc accusing him of overstepping into legislative matters by initially imposing a prohibition on their proceedings.
Despite their criticism, the Majority Bloc, represented by their legal counsel, attended a conference called by Justice Gbeisay. In this meeting, Gbeisay urged all lawmakers to provide due process to Speaker Koffa. The Majority Bloc subsequently agreed to ensure due process was observed in the upcoming session in the joint chambers.
This latest ruling is expected to significantly impact the leadership stalemate, representing a setback for Speaker Koffa’s efforts to command the Majority Bloc’s compliance. Meanwhile, it bolsters the Majority Bloc’s efforts to proceed with their plans to challenge his leadership.
All eyes will be on Capitol Hill next Tuesday to see the next steps in the wake of Justice Gbeisay’s ruling.
