MONROVIA – As Liberia prepares for a critical Supreme Court hearing on March 26 regarding the Bill of Information filed by embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and other members of the House of Representatives, serious allegations of bribery are raising concerns about the country’s judicial independence.
By: Selma Lomax [email protected]
The Bill of Information, a legal challenge brought by Koffa and members of the Minority Bloc, accuses the Majority Bloc, led by its Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, of defying a Supreme Court ruling from December 6, 2024.
Koffa claims that despite the Court’s previous order to resolve the dispute according to House rules, the Majority Bloc has continued actions deemed illegal by the Court. Koffa also alleges that the Justice Minister misinterpreted the Court’s ruling, allowing the Majority Bloc to believe their actions were legal and prolonging the political deadlock.
Ahead of the March 26 hearing, reports have surfaced that wealthy supporters of the Majority Bloc are allegedly attempting to bribe members of the Supreme Court to secure a favorable ruling that would solidify their position in the House.
These accusations of bribery are casting doubt on the integrity of the country’s judicial system, with critics warning that such acts of corruption could further erode public trust in the country’s courts.
A member of the Minority Bloc, speaking to FrontPageAfrica, voiced concerns over the Majority Bloc’s actions and the ongoing legal battle. “We have the constitution and we have rules. When those rules and constitution are violated, it’s the Supreme Court that is the arbiter. The Supreme Court has already ruled on this matter. They say the Majority Bloc’s actions are illegal,” a member stated, adding that the Court’s upcoming ruling would clarify legal ambiguities.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the Majority Bloc have urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the Bill of Information, arguing that the judiciary should not intervene in the internal matters of the House.
They also called for sanctions against Koffa and his allies. In their response filed on March 14, 2025, the Majority Bloc’s legal team emphasized that the Court’s involvement in disciplinary actions against House members would violate the constitutional principle of the separation of powers.
The Majority Bloc’s actions have come under intense scrutiny, particularly after a forceful statement by Associate Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay, who questioned the legality of the bloc’s decisions.
Speaking at the February Term of Court Opening in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Justice Gbeisay declared that the Majority Bloc’s decisions were invalid, as they had failed to elect a recognized Speaker, which is required by the constitution for a valid quorum.
“Whatever you do is ultra vires,” Justice Gbeisay stated, adding that any legislation or decisions made by the Majority Bloc were null and void due to the failure to follow constitutional procedures.
The political standoff in the House reached a new peak on March 18, when the Majority Bloc extended the suspensions of Bong County Representative Marvin Cole and Montserrado County Representative Edward Papie Flomo, both members of the Minority Bloc.
Their suspensions were initially imposed in November 2024 due to alleged misconduct, but the recent extension of their suspensions has been met with defiance.
In response to the extension, Cole appeared on the Voice of Liberia radio station in Monsterrado County, challenging the legality of his suspension. “The only authority that can validate my suspension is the Supreme Court of Liberia. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the Majority Bloc on March 26, I will accept my suspension. But if they rule against the Majority Bloc’s actions, we will make this country ungovernable for President Joseph Boakai,” Cole warned.
In addition to the suspensions of Cole and Flomo, several other lawmakers, including Koffa and Musa Bility, have also been suspended for persistent unexcused absences.
These actions, according to the Majority Bloc, are in accordance with House Rule 21.1, which mandates penalties for members who miss more than two consecutive weeks of sessions.
Meanwhile, residents of Borough Kru Town in Montserrado County have voiced their outrage over the suspensions, calling for the Majority Bloc to reverse what they describe as unconstitutional actions.
The community, frustrated by the ongoing political instability, has warned that they will mobilize to protest at the Capitol Building if the suspensions are not rescinded.
At a press conference, community spokesperson Sampson Karry criticized the Unity Party-led government for failing to intervene in the crisis, accusing the government of disregarding constitutional provisions. Karry also condemned the Majority Bloc’s actions, which he said undermine Liberia’s democratic institutions.
As the Supreme Court hearing approaches, both domestic and international observers are closely monitoring the situation. Allegations of bribery and concerns over the judicial system’s independence have added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing political crisis at the House of Representatives.
