IPNEWS: The ongoing political crisis within Liberia’s 55th House of Representatives has escalated as embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa files a Bill of Information before the Supreme Court. The legal action, submitted by Speaker Koffa’s lawyer, challenges the constitutionality of actions taken by members of the self-styled “Majority Bloc,” including the purported removal of Koffa as Speaker and the election of Representative Richard N. Koon as his replacement.
The Bill of Information raises critical questions about adherence to the Liberian Constitution and compliance with the Supreme Court’s December 6, 2024, ruling. In that decision, the Court ruled that only the Speaker or, in their absence, the Deputy Speaker, as outlined in Article 49 of the Constitution, may preside over legislative sittings. It further declared any actions taken by the Majority Bloc as unconstitutional and ordered members of the House of Representatives to align their conduct with constitutional provisions. However, the document alleges that the Majority Bloc has deliberately violated the ruling, with the Executive Branch, represented by the Minister of Justice, contributing to the impasse through a “wrongful interpretation” of the judgment.
Reacting to the unfolding events, Speaker Koffa issued a defiant statement: “I have officially been informed that all state security will be withdrawn tomorrow. These actions from the Executive do NOT change the fact that I remain the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This only further strengthens my resolve to fight for upholding the Rule of Law and the Liberian Constitution.” Koffa’s statement underscores his firm stance amid mounting political tensions.
Adding a layer of intrigue, sources report that over 150 former Executive Protection Service (EPS) officers held a meeting in Speaker Koffa’s yard. The ex-EPS members, recently dismissed from their roles, pledged to provide security for Koffa and reportedly took control of his community during the meeting.
The legal document, filed under the case title In Re: The Constitutionality of Certain Actions Taken by Some Members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, lists grievances including the deliberate violation of the Supreme Court’s December 6 ruling by the Majority Bloc, their refusal to comply with the Court’s directives, and the Justice Minister’s alleged misinterpretation of the ruling, which contributed to the Majority Bloc’s actions.
The Bill of Information highlights that the unconstitutional actions of the Majority Bloc include the removal of Koffa as Speaker and the subsequent election of Representative Koon. It further reiterates the Court’s prior ruling that such actions are “ultra vires,” meaning unauthorized and illegal.
According to some political commentators, the ongoing political impasse highlights deep divisions within the House of Representatives and raises broader questions about Liberia’s commitment to constitutional governance. As the Supreme Court reviews the Bill of Information, Cllr. Gabriel Nah suggests that the outcome could have significant implications for legislative stability and the balance of power between the Legislature and the Executive Branch. Meanwhile, Speaker Koffa’s assertion of constitutional authority, along with the active support of former EPS officers, signals a tense and uncertain chapter in Liberia’s political landscape. The nation is watching closely as the judiciary steps in to address this high-stakes dispute.
