–As ‘Majority bloc’ Upholds Suspension of Seven Suspended Members
In a surprising political maneuver, four lawmakers aligned with Speaker Fonati Koffa’s bloc Monday joined members of the Majority Bloc at the Monrovia City Hall, casting clouds on the unity of the Koff’s bloc, including reports that the four had crossover to the ‘majority bloc’.
The pro-Koffa lawmakers visiting the ‘majority bloc’ were Rep. Sumo Mulbah (CDC, District #3, Montserrado County), Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado County), Ellen Attoh Wreh (District #3, Margibi Co.) and Romeo Quioh (District #1, Sinoe County).
The pro-Koffa supporters of Speaker Koffa have kept their guards since October however but made the dramatic switch at the Monrovia City Hall, where legislative sessions are currently being held.
The visit of the four pro-Koffa supporters comes barely 72hrs following the establishment of a ‘Rule of Law Council headed by Nimba county District No. 7 Representatives Masa Bility which seeks to reconciled and resolve ongoing impasse at the House of Representatives. At the Monrovia City Hall, the four Pro-Koffa supporters stated that their presence is part of a decision reached on the establishment of the Rule of Law Legislative Caucus.
As report spread that the four had crossover, Margibi County District #3 Representative Ellen Attoh-Wreh dismissed the report of joining the Majority Bloc led by Representative Richard Nagbe Koon. Representative Attoh-Wreh’s clarified that her presence at Monday’s session with the majority Bloc alongside some members of the Pro-Koffa Bloc was at a result of a unanimous decision made during a meeting with her team members.
According to her, the meeting was held following the election of Representative Musa Hassan Bility as Chairman of a group of Lawmaker under the banner “Rule of Law Caucus”.
Representative Ellen disclosed that the Minority Bloc has agreed to participate in joint sessions with the Majority Bloc under Representative Koon’s leadership beginning January 6, 2025, until the impasses at the Capitol Building is resolved through court proceedings.
Meanwhile, members of the ‘majority bloc’, have firmly rejected a motion to lift the suspension of seven lawmakers during a heated session on Monday. The rejection to lift the suspension of the seven Lawmakers is a major turning point in the resolution of ongoing crisis at the House of Representatives.
Montserrado County District #8 Representative Prince Toles had earlier presented a communication seeking clemency for the suspended lawmakers, urging the House to restore them to active status by allowing the suspended Lawmakers return and receive their December 2024 salaries.
However, Margibi County District #5 Representative Clarence Gahr on the contrarily opposed the motion to lift the suspension of the Seven suspended colleagues.
The seven lawmakers, all aligned with embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, were sanctioned by the majority bloc in November 2024. They include Frank Saah Foko, Eugene Kollie, Zinnah Norman, Alex Sonnyboy Noah, Marvin Cole, Abu Kamara, and Edward Papay Flomo. The lawmakers were suspended for what the majority bloc considered “misconduct” on the part of these lawmakers.
It may be recalled, on October 17, 2024, Representative Marvin Cole, who served as the House Chairman on Rules, Order, and Administration locked the House’s chambers, insisting that Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah would not preside over that day’s session.
The altercation between Cole and Fallah that went viral occurred as House Speaker Cllr. Fonati Koffa was away in Europe with President Joseph Boakai at the Vatican.
Monday’s session saw appeals for reconciliation from some lawmakers. Representatives Sekou Kanneh and Thomas Romeo Quiah called for unity, urging their colleagues to reinstate the suspended members as a gesture of goodwill. Despite these appeals, the majority bloc remained resolute not to grant pardon.
mInutes after the session, the Representative of Sinoe County District No. 1, Hon. Thomas Romeo Quiah, reactedly swiftly that their visit at the majority bloc is not an act of surrender but good citizenship.
In a statement, under the titled ‘Transition to the Majority Bloc’, Hon. Thomas Romeo Quiah, stated that his allegiance remains firmly with the people he represents and the cause of justice and progress.
Representatives Quiah said that after much reflection and consultation with his family, constituents, and other stakeholders, He believes that the move to visit the ‘majority bloc’, is necessary to ensure he can continue to advocate effectively for their welfare and contribute meaningfully to the legislative and governance processes of his country.
“I wish to assure my constituents and all stakeholders that my commitment to serve with integrity and dedication remains unwavering. I am confident that this transition will allow me to play a more impactful role in addressing the challenges our nation faces and in fostering unity, development, and progress.”
“My decision to transition to the Majority Bloc should not be misinterpreted as a move driven by personal interest or inducement. In light of the issues surrounding Richard Koon vs. Fonati Koffa case and the subsequent Supreme Court ruling, this decision stems from a firm conviction that our actions as leaders must prioritize the national interest above partisan loyalties. This is a nationalistic move aimed at upholding justice, strengthening democratic principles, and advancing the greater good of our people. I remain committed to serving with integrity and prioritizing the interests of our people.”
“Being in the legislature will ultimately afford us the opportunity to strengthen our rules to avoid ambiguity in interpreting actions and inactions stemming from the conduct of our legislative functions in the future. This decision is not made lightly but is necessary to protect the values we hold dear as a nation. My unwavering commitment remains to serve with integrity, defend the rights of our people, and ensure that our democratic institutions work in the best interest of all Liberians, not a select few.” Representative Romeo Quioh (District #1, Sinoe County) clarifies.
The Supreme Court’s decision, while binding, has sparked widespread public debate and scrutiny. Representative Romeo Quioh. Noted that ‘As leaders, it is their responsibility to engage with these issues constructively, ensuring that our actions reflect a commitment to justice and fairness for all’-stressing that he believes the ruling has implications that extend beyond the individuals involved; ‘it touches upon the integrity of our institutions’, ‘the separation of powers’, and the public’s trust in governance’. Therefore, it is imperative that we lead by example, prioritizing the greater good over partisan loyalties or personal affiliations’.
“This decision to step away from the minority bloc is not one I take lightly; it is essential in reaffirming my dedication to our nation’s values. I am committed to ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done and that our democratic principles are upheld for the benefit of all Liberians. My stand is rooted in the belief that Liberia deserves leaders who place the country above all else.”
“I appeal to my colleagues in the minority bloc to reflect deeply on the broader implications of our actions for the Liberian people. While the ongoing fight may be well-intentioned, it risks further division at a time when our nation needs unity and decisive leadership.”
“The challenges before us demand that we rise above partisanship and personal grievances. We must focus our collective energy on addressing the pressing issues that affect the daily lives of Liberians: poverty, unemployment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Prolonging this conflict will only distract us from our greater mission of nation-building and improving the lives of our citizens, and this will certainly drive away investors”
I urge my colleagues to consider stepping away from this path of contention, not as a sign of defeat, but as an act of patriotism and statesmanship. Let us prioritize Liberia and work together to strengthen our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and restore the confidence of our people in our leadership. Together, we can achieve more for this nation and ensure that history remembers us as leaders who chose the country over personal and political battles.
I am calling on my colleagues to embrace dialogue and collaboration as the way forward. Let us come together, not as opposing blocs, but as one united body of leaders committed to working in the best interest of the Liberian people.
By stepping away from contention, we show our citizens that we value their well-being above all else. This is not a call for surrender, but an invitation to forge a new path forward—one rooted in mutual respect, compromise, and a shared vision for a better Liberia.
Let us place Liberia first and work together to strengthen our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and restore the confidence of our people in our leadership. Together, we can achieve more for this nation and ensure that history remembers us as leaders who chose the country over personal and political interests.
I strongly believe that Hon koffa has shown to the world that he truly stands on the side of the law, which is unquestionably the reality, but I call on him in the spirit of friendship and brotherhood, to call this, a ‘Day’ for the sake of our people. He should not continue this battle, as doing so, the history will forever remember him
