Monrovia – FrontPageAfrica has reliably gathered that Liberia’s religious community, acting on the request of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, is attempting to persuade Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa to resign amid a prolonged political standoff in the House of Representatives.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The Supreme Court recently ruled, through Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, that the actions of the self-declared “Majority Bloc” were unconstitutional, clarifying that any House sitting held without the Speaker presiding — when he is present and not incapacitated — lacks legal legitimacy.
While President Boakai, in a national address, acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision, he emphasized that his administration would work with a “functional quorum.” He also confirmed ongoing consultations with national stakeholders, traditional leaders, and the religious community.
Sources say these consultations have begun and they include efforts to pressure Speaker Koffa to voluntarily step down. However, allies of Koffa have raised concerns that such moves may appear biased, suggesting that the focus should instead be on enforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling rather than encouraging the Speaker’s resignation.
Supporters argue that urging Koffa to resign while members of the Majority Bloc remain suspended without salaries and benefits could deepen political uncertainty and expose the Speaker to criticism.
Catholic Church Distances Itself
In response to a FrontPage Africa inquiry, the Catholic Church in Liberia distanced itself from any discussions aimed at convincing Speaker Koffa to resign.
Father Ambrose D. Kroma, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Monrovia, clarified the Church’s position: “We stand with the Liberia Council of Churches’ position. The President asked for consultations, and consultations are ongoing. The Church has not taken a side.”
Father Kroma further emphasized that any statement suggesting the Catholic Church’s direct involvement in calls for Koffa’s resignation is inaccurate, noting that the Church, comprising the Dioceses of Monrovia, Gbarnga, and Cape Palmas, remains impartial.
Previously, during his Easter message, Archbishop of Monrovia, Dr. Gabriel Jubwe emphasized the necessity of upholding the rule of law, warning that a society without it risks descending into chaos.
The Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) did not respond to requests for comment as of publication.
Ongoing Defiance from the Majority Bloc
The Supreme Court’s ruling was expected to bring closure to the months-long leadership dispute, which has severely hampered the Legislature’s operations and eroded public trust.
However, defiance persists. Purported Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, leader of the Majority Bloc, rejected the Court’s decision, describing it as an “atrocious and audacious violation” of the separation of powers.
Koon insists that Koffa’s removal was legitimate under Article 49 of the Constitution and House Rule 9(a), citing a resolution supported by 50 of 73 members. He declared:
“No opinion or judgment of the Supreme Court can or will expunge or erase this Resolution from the annals of the House of Representatives,” he said in a statement release via his Facebook Page.
Koon vowed that the House, under his leadership, would continue legislative business, including the preparation of the 2025 National Budget, without recognizing the Court’s judgment.
Further escalating tensions, some Majority Bloc members, including Bong County Representative James Kolleh, have hinted at potential impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court Justices for alleged judicial overreach.
The Bloc has also filed a petition for re-argument, suggesting that if their actions are invalid, then the National Budget passed under their leadership — and associated government operations — should also be considered unconstitutional.
Growing Domestic Criticism
The Majority Bloc’s defiant stance, along with the Executive’s perceived hesitance to fully enforce the Court’s ruling, has drawn widespread condemnation.
Former presidential candidate Alexander B. Cummings criticized President Boakai’s handling of the crisis, warning that failure to uphold the Supreme Court’s decision jeopardizes Liberia’s democracy.
“Following the rule of law is not optional,” Cummings declared. “The so-called ‘Majority Bloc’ does not have the numbers, and their actions — and the Executive’s support — are legally flawed.”
Human rights lawyer and former presidential candidate Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe also criticized the President, citing Articles 65 and 66 of the Constitution, and accused Boakai of directly contradicting the High Court’s ruling by continuing to work with a contested quorum.
Four opposition political parties — the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Alternative National Congress (ANC), Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), and Citizens Movement for Change (CMC) — along with STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu, issued an ultimatum to President Boakai, demanding that he retract his remarks and fully respect the Court’s decision by next Tuesday.
At a press conference attended by prominent political figures, including former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor and former Representative Acarous Moses Gray, CDC Acting Chairman Atty. Janga Kowo warned: “We are documenting the excesses. Mr. President, you have until Tuesday to correct yourself.”
ANC Acting Chairman Lafayette Horatio Gould also stated that the opposition is meticulously documenting alleged abuses and will take appropriate action.
Senators Rally Behind Koffa
Several senators from both the opposition and the ruling Unity Party Alliance have rallied around Speaker Koffa, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law.
Unity Party Alliance Senator Abraham Darius Dillon reaffirmed that “the Supreme Court ruling is clear: J. Fonati Koffa is the Speaker,” while calling for unity and restoration of order.
Sinoe County Senator Augustine Chea, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a strong condemnation of President Boakai’s response, warning that it emboldens defiance and undermines the judiciary.
Rivercess County Senator Bill Twehway also voiced his support, stating:
“As leaders entrusted with the people’s mandate, it is our solemn duty to lead by example, respect the rule of law, and promote national unity.”
Meanwhile, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, head of Liberia’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, warned that Liberia’s international reputation — particularly its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council — could suffer if the crisis is not resolved through lawful means.
“If we cannot respect the decision of our High Court but want a seat on the Security Council, what a contradiction,” Snowe said.
Final Call for Compliance
In the wake of mounting domestic and international pressure, political observers argue that the Boakai administration and the Majority Bloc still have an opportunity to correct course by fully respecting the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“It’s not too late, if that is still their intention,” Cummings said.
