Monrovia — The Supreme Court of Liberia will today deliver the ruling in the ongoing leadership conflict within the House of Representatives.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
It can be recalled embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, filed a petition with the Supreme Court, challenging what he describes as unconstitutional and illegal actions taken by members of the House’s majority bloc.
The petition followed the controversial move by the majority bloc to elect Montserrado District 11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon as the new Speaker. This decision followed a resolution signed by the bloc to oust Koffa from his position, a move Koffa argues flagrantly violates the Liberian Constitution and House Standing Rules.
Speaker Koffa’s legal challenge primarily revolves around the legitimacy of the plenary session during which Koon was elected. According to the Speaker, this session was convened without his authorization or presence, a clear violation of Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 10 of the House Standing Rules.
These provisions, Koffa asserts, grant him exclusive authority to call and preside over legislative sessions, making the actions of the majority bloc unconstitutional and procedurally invalid.
The petition further highlights the suspension of three lawmakers—Representatives Edward Flomo, Abu Kamara, and Marvin Cole—by the majority bloc. Koffa argues that these suspensions were carried out without due process, a requirement firmly enshrined in Article 20 of the Liberian Constitution.
The Speaker also references Rule 48 of the House Standing Rules, which mandates adherence to due process in disciplinary actions against lawmakers. By bypassing these constitutional safeguards, Koffa contends, the majority bloc has undermined the principles of fairness and accountability.
Another key point in Koffa’s petition is the restructuring and reconstitution of statutory committees, which he claims were carried out in violation of established rules. According to Koffa, committee chairs and co-chairs are appointed for three-year terms and can only be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the House membership. The recent actions by the majority bloc to overhaul these committees, he argues, not only disregard this rule but also disrupt the functioning of the legislature.
Speaker Koffa and the House’s majority bloc, are represented by Cllr. Arthur Johnson and Cllr. Varney Sherman, respectively.
Cllr. Johnson argued before the Court that the majority bloc’s actions were unconstitutional, citing Articles 2 and 33 of the Liberian Constitution. He requested the Court to nullify their decisions, contending that the minority’s rights were being disregarded.
In contrast, Cllr. Sherman defended the majority bloc, asserting that their actions adhered to constitutional requirements, emphasizing that the dispute was political and urged the Court not to intervene.
The ongoing dispute has exposed deep divisions within Liberia’s 55th Legislature, with significant implications for the country’s governance and political stability.
The actions of the majority bloc, combined with Koffa’s legal challenge, have created a tense standoff that could shape the future of legislative leadership in Liberia.
Observers have noted that the controversy has broader implications for Liberia’s political landscape. With the Speaker’s position at the center of legislative decision-making, the outcome of this case could influence how power is distributed and exercised within the legislature. It also raises critical questions about the commitment of lawmakers to uphold constitutional principles and democratic norms.
The standoff has also drawn significant public attention, with citizens and civil society groups expressing concern about the impact of the dispute on legislative effectiveness.
Many have called for a resolution that prioritizes the rule of law and respects the constitutional framework that underpins Liberia’s democracy.
Lawmakers weigh in
Lawmakers from both sides have been claiming victory, with some hinting on social media of attempted bribery.
Rep. Marvin Cole (District #3, Bong County), a pro-Koffa group member and one of the main figures in the dispute wrote on Facebook. “THE LAW WILL CONTROL. NOT MONEY VICTORY HERE FINALLY!!”
Rep. Musa Bility (District #7 Nimba) also of the Pro-Koffa group wrote: “The Tin Line” has just gotten thinner.”
While another supporter of Speaker Koffa, Rep Frank Saah Foko, Jr. wrote on his Facebook page: “The Law is The Law. Thanks to the Supreme Court for upholding the laws of Liberia. Absolutely, no man is above the Law. Congratulations in advance Hon. Cllr J Fonati Koffa. Thanks for your high level of tolerance.”
James Kolleh, of the Majority Bloc also wrote: “Law is not Public Sentiment.”
Tensions Simmering in Majority Bloc Over Richard Koon’s Leadership
Leaked conversations from the WhatsApp group of the Majority Bloc in the House of Representatives reveal growing tensions over the controversial election of Rep. Richard Koon (District #11, Montserrado County) as Speaker. Koon was hurriedly elected after the bloc declared the Speaker’s seat vacant during one of their sittings.
Some members have expressed dissatisfaction, labeling Koon’s leadership a “disgrace” to the legislative body.
“Since this funny election we had, it’s embarrassing that the man imposed on us is a complete disgrace and embarrassment to this honorable body. Rep. Richard Koon is a mess…” wrote Rep. Gizzie Kollince (District #4, Lofa County) in the chat group.
Kollince’s sentiment was echoed by fellow Lofa lawmaker Rep. Julie F. Wiah (District #2, Lofa), who added, “Wow, so Rep. Koon, you really want to be Speaker too? You think we can risk our integrity for you? Nonsense!!!”
Amid the heated exchanges, Rep. James Kolleh sought to calm the situation, urging his colleagues to remain focused:
“Gentlemen, with all due respect, let’s lower this noise. We’re already winning. The court might rule in our favor. We’re very sure.”
However, Rep. Kollince shot back, expressing frustration:
“Even if we win this case, there will still be another noise. You don’t treat people like children. I’m getting tired of this whole mess!!!”
Rep. Kolleh countered Kollince’s claims, asserting that the election process had been fair:
“Hon. Kollince, we didn’t force you against your will. The process was open, and Hon. Fallah declined. What did you expect from us in the process?”
Kollince, seemingly unsatisfied, retorted: “Kolleh, when you talk like this, I will get really mad. How can you have an election abruptly like that? Who does that? Y’all played us in the process.”
Rep. Kolleh weighed in, defending the election process:
“How can a grown man like you think you were played? Hon. Fallah was given an option to resign before contesting. Did he make use of the opportunity? We never had time, so we acted upon…”
The leaked exchanges highlight deep divisions within the Majority Bloc, raising questions about its cohesion and the legitimacy of Koon’s election as Speaker. With a Supreme Court ruling on the matter still pending, the bloc’s internal discord could complicate its quest for unity and legitimacy.
