Monrovia- The Supreme Court on Friday delivered its highly anticipated ruling in a packed courtroom, following arguments presented by lawyers representing both sides last week.
The legal battle stemmed from a petition filed by Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and his allies, challenging the actions of the Majority Bloc as unconstitutional. These actions included holding sessions outside the official House Chambers, removing Speaker Koffa, suspending several House members, nullifying committees formed under the Speaker, and reconstituting new committees.
Delivering the judgment on behalf of the full bench, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh declared that any action taken outside the bounds of the Constitution is illegal. She urged both parties to return to the House Chambers and adhere to constitutional procedures. The Chief Justice emphasized that while the Constitution allows the minority to compel the majority to attend sessions, it does not specify how this should be executed.
The ruling has sparked confusion, with both factions claiming victory. Members of the Majority Bloc assert that the decision validates their continued sessions in the joint chambers, while the Pro-Koffa group argues that the ruling declares the Majority’s actions unconstitutional.
As the controversy lingers, uncertainty surrounds the way forward for Liberia’s legislative proceedings.
