MONROVIA-On Monday, the ground of the Capitol Building-seat of the Legislature of Liberia turned to a boxing ground when lawmakers reportedly exchanged blows over what the pro-Fonati Koffa bloc termed as an illegal budget hearing conducted by the self-styled majority bloc of the House of Representatives while riot police officers also employed excessive force to calm the situation.
The situation on Monday, was a serious chaos and a bloody scene as members of the House spewed in a violent clash over what the Pro-Koffa bloc considered “illegal budget hearings” orchestrated by their colleagues of the Majority Bloc.
The violence turned to a full-blown brawl when some lawmakers from the Majority Bloc confronted their colleagues of the Pro Koffa bloc. Tensions heightened rapidly after the majority bloc requested police intervention. Pro-Koffa lawmakers accused the officers of employing excessive force. The scene turned violent, with lawmakers exchanging blows while some other individuals sustained bloody injuries. Among those arrested was the Chief of Office Staff of Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Y. Kolubah.
As the situation stands, many Liberians have pointed accusing fingers at the Supreme Court of Liberia for its recent ruling which they said remains unclear and leaves more questions than answer. They accused the high court of not addressing embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa’s complaints which were contained in his petition to the Supreme Court.
According to them, the Supreme Court didn’t tell whether the majority bloc was sitting legally or illegal, neither did the court ruling address some of the major issues raised in Speaker Koffa’s petition.
“The Supreme Court ruling is a recipe for chaos as was seen on Monday. The court didn’t address those critical issues raised by Speaker Koffa and didn’t condemn the illegal sitting of the so-called majority bloc,” said Nancy Robertson a student of the state-run University of Liberia.
Some Liberians are also blaming the Executive Branch of government of siding with the majority bloc by doing business with the breakaway lawmakers. According to them, the sending of riot police officers on the grounds of the capitol building by the Ministry of Justice is a clear indication that the executive is in support of the anti-Koffa lawmakers.
“This is a political matter among the lawmakers. Who sent the police there to beat on lawmakers? This is totally wrong and unacceptable in our democratic process. The executive had made it clear that it has no business in what is ongoing at the Legislature so, how did the police get involve? Aaron Mayson questioned.
Many believe that the conflict at the House centered on the recent ruling by the Supreme Court which didn’t adequately addressed the constitutionality of the Majority Bloc’s actions. The court determined that any proceedings by House members that deviated from the intent of Articles 33 and 49 were ultra vires, or beyond their legal authority.
According to the citizens, this decision set the stage for a turn to the status quo but the “Majority Bloc” proceeded with plans to review the proposed 2025 National Budget, despite warnings from the House leadership against government entities participating in the hearings. On Monday, officials from the Executive Branch honored an invitation from the anti-Koffa bloc to begin reviewing the proposed 2025 National Budget.
This also came after the House of Representative Leadership had warned government entities against appearing for budget hearings conducted by the majority group. Members of the Pro-Koffa Group, feeling sidelined by the Executive’s engagement with the anti-Koffa bloc, vehemently resisted the budget hearing.
Speaking to journalist on the grounds of the Capitol Building, embattled Speaker Koffa alarmed over the heavy police presence, viewing it as a blatant attempt by certain lawmakers-the so-called “absentee majority”-to undermine the rule of law. “It is now abundantly clear that the police are involved in this crisis, and it is a grave concern,” Koffa asserted. “However, we, the
At the same time, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh urged President Joseph Boakai to take decisive action to restore order within the House of Representatives. In a passionate Facebook statement, he emphasized the need for the President to unite the government, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling.
“President Boakai’s success in the Executive Branch is intrinsically linked to a well-functioning Legislature,” he stated, appealing for immediate steps to foster collaboration and effectiveness in governance as the nation approaches the critical year of 2025.
Senator Konneh lamented the lack of significant legislative achievements over the past year, which he argued has eroded public optimism. He called for a careful examination of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 budget to prevent political manipulation and ensure it genuinely serves the interests of the nation. “This means serious work!” he declared, underscoring the urgency for action amidst economic challenges, stagnant prices, and rising joblessness that plague Liberia.
In its ruling over the weekend, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its authority as the ultimate arbiter of constitutional matters, clarifying that the Speaker remains the presiding officer regardless of attendance. The court highlighted a legislative gap regarding attendance enforcement and reiterated that any actions by House members not aligned with Articles 33 and 49 are considered ultra vires.
Article 33 of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia states that, “A simple majority of each House shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lower number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members. Whenever the House of Representatives and the Senate shall meet in joint session, the presiding officer of the House of Representatives shall preside.”
Article 49 provides provides that, “The House of Representatives shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers as shall ensure the proper functioning of the House. The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House.”
