Monrovia – On Tuesday the House of Representatives was engulfed in claims and counterclaims as members of the Majority Bloc expressed outrage over Civil Law Court Judge George Smith’s summons for their Speaker, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon. This led to some lawmakers calling for the impeachment of Judge Smith, accusing him of overstepping his judicial authority.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

Judge Smith’s summons stems from allegations of impersonation filed against Rep. Koon. The lawsuit, initiated by supporters of embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, challenges Koon’s legitimacy as Speaker of the House. According to the complaint, Koon’s ascension to the role violates constitutional and procedural rules, making his actions as Speaker null and void.

The Complaint Against Koon

The petitioners, who identify as members of the 55th Legislature aligned with Koffa, accuse Koon of unlawfully presenting himself as Speaker. They argue that this act undermines the integrity of the legislature and violates Article 49 of the Constitution, which governs the election and removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

“We are bona fide members of the Honorable House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, duly elected under Article 30(a) of the 1986 Constitution,” the petitioners stated in their filing. They allege that Koffa’s removal was unconstitutional and that the procedural rules of the House were disregarded.

The Minority Bloc supporting Koffa insists that his removal violated both the Constitution and the Standing Rules of the House, which outline procedures for leadership changes. They have called for the court to nullify Koon’s actions and restore Koffa to the position of Speaker.

Majority Bloc Defends Koon

The Majority Bloc, however, maintains that Koffa’s removal was legitimate and that Koon’s leadership is valid. They argue that the court’s intervention in the legislative process infringes on the independence of the legislature and undermines its authority.

Judge Smith’s decision to summon Koon has intensified the standoff, with Majority Bloc lawmakers condemning the move as judicial overreach. “This is gross disrespect to the legislature and its internal processes,” one lawmaker remarked, adding that the judiciary has no jurisdiction over the legislative body’s internal matters.

Calls for Impeachment of Judge Smith

The controversy has prompted some Majority Bloc members to call for Judge Smith’s impeachment. They accuse him of undermining the principle of separation of powers and ignoring a recent Supreme Court ruling related to similar disputes within the House.

“Judge Smith’s actions are a clear overstep and an attempt to interfere in legislative matters,” said another legislator. “We will not allow the judiciary to dictate how the legislature conducts its affairs.”

The Majority Bloc has called on the House’s plenary to reject what they see as unwarranted judicial interference and to reaffirm Koon’s legitimacy as Speaker.

Rep. Jeremiah Sokan warned the Judge could be impeached if he continues to “meddle in political activities.”

Deepening Divisions

The power struggle over the Speaker’s position has further divided the House of Representatives, with no resolution in sight. While the Majority Bloc insists on Koon’s legitimacy, the Minority Bloc, now rule of law Caucus, remains steadfast in challenging his authority through the courts.

The unfolding legal and political battle highlights the growing tensions between Liberia’s legislative and judicial branches, raising questions about the balance of power and the stability of the House of Representatives.

Monrovia – After nearly three months of a leadership crisis marked by acrimonious claims and counterclaims, members of the House of Representatives appear exhausted and are leaning toward reconciliation and unification.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The impasse began when a group of lawmakers initiated a resolution to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa, accusing him of corruption and conflict of interest. Failing to secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority, the group leveraged its numerical strength to abandon the main chamber and hold sessions in the Joint Chamber. There, they declared the Speaker’s seat vacant, elected Representative Richard Koon as their Speaker, dissolved committees established by Speaker Koffa, and suspended seven lawmakers for 30 session days without pay.

The pro-Koffa bloc sought intervention from the Supreme Court, but its ruling did not resolve the crisis. Earlier, an ECOWAS mediation mission also failed to settle the impasse. The situation worsened when a fire engulfed the Joint Chamber used by the Majority Bloc.

Currently, the House remains divided, with the Majority Bloc, under Rep. Koon, asserting legitimacy and conducting the House’s affairs. Meanwhile, the pro-Koffa group, lacking quorum, continues to contest the legality of their colleagues’ actions.

A Call for Reconciliation

Amid the stalemate, both factions appear willing to seek common ground. Acting Speaker, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, serving as presiding officer of the Majority Bloc ain the absence of their Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, announced plans for a reconciliation retreat aimed at healing divisions within the House.

“Considering the stalemate that engulfed the House prior to our extension, for the third quarter, as it is said the teeth and tongue can fuss, but they remain dutiful and together to work for the common good of their master. We have an obligation to the Liberian people for which we took oath. In this time, I am proposing to the leadership through the committee on Rules, Order and administration, to prepare a retreat for the House of Representatives to mend the broken wounds. the propose retreat should not be limited to lawmakers only, but inclusive of our staff. We can have a genuine reconciliation to trash out our differences,” Rep.  Fallah, Deputy said.

He acknowledged that the impasse had affected all parties and urged lawmakers to prioritize the Liberian people’s interests over personal victories.

“It is not about winning; it is about putting the Liberian people’s interest. These that things that happened in the past. We know that we have some issues there. If those issue are resolved, we will go. They have come back to join our colleagues,” he said.

Dramatic Shift

The reconciliation effort gained momentum when four pro-Koffa lawmakers—Representatives Sumo Mulbah, Priscilla Cooper, Ellen Attoh Wreh, and Romeo Quioh—joined the Majority Bloc during a session at Monrovia City Hall, where legislative sessions are currently held.

Speaking shortly before his departure to Ghana, Rep. Koon welcomed his colleagues and said it was time to unite.

Plea for Pardon

Amid the call for reconciliation, Rep. Prince Toles urged his colleagues to lift the suspension of the seven lawmakers.

“I respectfully request that plenary lift the suspension of our colleagues for December 2024. This gesture, especially during the festive season, would embody unity and empathy,” Toles wrote in a letter to the Majority Bloc.

He continued: “As we have entered the festive season, a time dedicated to family and community support, I strongly advocate for our colleagues to receive their full salaries and benefits for December 2024, after which their suspensions can be resumed in January 2025. This action would enable them to fulfill their responsibilities to their families, communities, and constituents during this significant time of the year. Such a gesture would not only reflect our commitment to supporting one another as colleagues but also embody the values of empathy, unity, and solidarity that we, as representatives of the people, hold dear.”

His plea, however, received mixed reactions. While some lawmakers supported the idea, others argued that any pardon should not cover December, as the month had already elapsed. Ultimately, the plenary voted to reject the request.

Rule of Law Caucus Steps In

As the Majority Bloc announced plans for reconciliation, the Rule of Law Legislative Caucus scheduled a press conference to address the leadership impasse and advocate for constitutional principles and legislative independence.

Caucus Chairman Musa Hassan Bility emphasized the need to restore normalcy and ensure representatives effectively perform their duties.

 “The challenges before us as leaders of this country are immense, and the leadership of the House of Representatives is facing significant trials,” he said I a message on his Facebook page. “I am fully aware of the burden placed on me by this responsibility, and I embrace it with commitment and resolve. My focus will be to restore normalcy to the House and ensure that every representative can carry out their constitutional duty to represent their people effectively.”

Bility further committed to upholding the rule of law and fostering a spirit of cooperation among his colleagues, emphasizing the need to prioritize the Liberian people’s needs over individual interests. “I pledge to lead faithfully, to listen to my colleagues, and to work toward our collective goals and aspirations,”

Challenges Ahead

Despite signs of reconciliation, unresolved issues remain potential stumbling blocks. These include the suspension of seven lawmakers, denial of their benefits, and the Majority Bloc’s insistence on evicting Speaker Koffa from his office without a Supreme Court ruling on his bill of information.

However, observers say the Majority Bloc’s plan for a reconciliation retreat and the Rule of Law Caucus’s commitment to dialogue signal hope for resolving the three-month-long crisis that has paralyzed the House of Representatives.

Monrovia – A dramatic power struggle unfolded on Capitol Hill on Thursday as the House of Representatives split into two factions, each claiming its own Speaker. The Majority Bloc, which has been holding parallel sessions, elected Representative Richard Nagbe Koon (UP, District #11, Montserrado) as their Speaker, while the Pro-Koffa group continues to recognize J. Fonati Koffa as the rightful leader.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The event began in the joint chamber with the majority bloc endorsing the report of its special committee set up to investigate House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The group had accused Speaker Koffa of conflict of interest and corruption. Immediately after the report, the Majority bloc presented a resolution calling for the removal of the Speaker. following the reading, a motion was proffered by Rep. James Kolleh (District #2, Bong County) calling for the body to declare the seat of the speakership vacant. His motion also called on the Executive to strip Speaker Koffa of his immunity. Legislatively, this should have been the most important motion proffered in the Majority bloc’s quest to remove the Speaker, but some members on the floor called on the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Fallah not to call for a vote. After a series of whispers, the resolution was noted by the majority bloc and no voted was taken.

Some members, citing Article 49 of the Constitution, said there was no need to take a vote.

Article 49 states “The House of Representative shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers shall ensure the proper functioning of the House. The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House he claimed that Artic Rep.”

This has been one of the contentious issues in the removal of the Speaker by the majority bloc. While some are calling for the Speaker to be given due process. And at the end, a vote should have been taken through headcounts. Critics say a vote was not taken by the Majority Bloc due to lack of trust and confidence. They say if it had taken the vote, it would not have meet the two-thirds.

Rescinded but still included

As the drama unfolded, several lawmakers who had earlier affixed their signature said they were not part of the process as their signatures were rescinded through notarized affidavits. These include Reps. Matthew Joe (Grand Bassa), Thomas Goshua (Grand Bassa), Prescilla Cooper (Montserrado), Rep. Bintu Massalay (Grand Cape Mount), Rugie Yatu Barry (Montserrado) and Luther Collins (Gbarpolu).

‘Nothing happened’

Speaker J. Fonati Koffa downplayed the action. He and his allies have petitioned the Supreme Court of Liberia to address what they describe as unconstitutional actions by a faction of the House of Representatives. The petition, filed on Thursday, is addressed to the full bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh.

The petition accused Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and other lawmakers, including Representative Samuel Kogar, of convening unauthorized plenary sessions, suspending lawmakers without due process, unlawfully restructuring statutory committees, and seizing control of the 2025 draft national budget—all in alleged violation of Liberia’s Constitution and the House’s Standing Rules.

Key Allegations

Unauthorized Plenary Sessions

Speaker Koffa and his allies argue that the respondents convened plenary sessions without the Speaker, the constitutionally mandated presiding officer under Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution. According to the petitioners, these sessions undermine the Speaker’s authority and violate House Standing Rule 10, which grants the Speaker exclusive powers to call and preside over sessions.

Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution mandates that the House of Representatives shall elect, once every six years, a Speaker who shall serve as the presiding officer of the body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers necessary for the proper functioning of the House. The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other elected officers may be removed from office for cause through a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of the House members. While Rule 10.1 states: “When the office of the Speaker becomes vacant due to removal, death, resignation, inability, or other disabilities, the Deputy Speaker shall act as Speaker until a new Speaker is elected within sixty days. When the Speaker is absent from a session, the Deputy Speaker shall act in accordance with Rules 8.1 and 8.2. In the absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, a member of the House, as elected by the House for that purpose, shall preside. Such a member shall be known as ‘Speaker Pro-Tempore.’”

Speaker Koffa and colleagues contend that no vacancy has occurred in the Speaker’s office to warrant such actions and that the Majority Bloc’s actions undermine the established procedural framework of the House.

Suspension of Lawmakers Without Due Process

The petitioners allege that Representatives Edward Flomo (District 13, Montserrado County), Abu Kamara (District 15, Montserrado County), and Marvin Cole (District 3, Bong County) were suspended arbitrarily and without adherence to due process. They claim the suspensions violated Article 20 of the Constitution, which guarantees due process, and House Standing Rule 48, which outlines procedures for disciplinary actions.

Illegal Restructuring of Committees

The petition also accuses the majority bloc of unlawfully restructuring statutory committees. According to Speaker Koffa, the reconstitution of these committees ignored the required two-thirds approval of the House membership, as mandated by legislative rules. Additionally, the appointments made by the Speaker for three-year terms were disregarded.

Seizure of the 2025 National Budget

The petitioners contend that Deputy Speaker Fallah and Representative Kogar unlawfully seized the 2025 draft national budget, submitted by President Joseph Boakai, which was addressed to the Speaker as the presiding officer of the House. This act, they argue, undermines the Speaker’s authority and violates established legislative protocols.

Legal Basis

The petition invokes Article 6 of the Constitution, which designates the Supreme Court as the final arbiter in constitutional disputes. It also cites Chapter 2, Section 2.2 of the Judiciary Law, granting the Court jurisdiction over extraordinary writs.

In addition, the petitioners allege that the respondents’ actions contravene Article 49 of the Constitution, which defines the Speaker’s authority, as well as multiple provisions of the House Standing Rules.

Relief Sought

The petitioners are requesting the Supreme Court to declare the respondents’ plenary sessions unconstitutional and nullify all decisions made therein, reinstate the suspended lawmakers and rule their suspensions as unconstitutional, nullify the restructuring of statutory committees, declare the seizure of the 2025 draft national budget unlawful and reinstate the Speaker’s authority over budget deliberations.

Background

This petition comes amidst a deepening division within the House of Representatives. On Thursday, the Majority Bloc adopted a resolution calling for the removal of Speaker Koffa and announced the election of Representative Richard Nagbe Koon (District 11, Montserrado County) as their new Speaker.

Operating outside the main chamber, the bloc has been holding parallel sessions in the joint chamber of the Capitol Building. They accuse Speaker Koffa of conflict of interest and corruption, asserting that he has lost their confidence and can no longer preside over the House.

Observers say this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for Liberia’s legislative governance and constitutional integrity. The Supreme Court’s ruling will likely set a precedent for resolving internal conflicts within the legislature, particularly regarding the balance of power and adherence to procedural norms.

The nation now awaits the Supreme Court’s intervention to clarify the constitutional boundaries and ensure stability within one of its most critical democratic institutions.

Resolution challenged

The pro-Koffa say the resolution read in the majority sitting was quite different from the original which was taken by Rep. Luther Collins. Collins had accused a group of lawmakers of offering him a bribe to sign the resolution. He said he was given US$15,000 and promised US$10,000 when the Speaker is removed.

Rep. Marvin Cole, speaking on Spoon Talk said the original resolution was still in the possession of Collins.

The removal of Fonati Koffa as Speaker has been riddled with allegations of corruption. Even during following the adoption of the resolution, one of the lawmakers, Rep. Zinnah Norman of Gbarpolu who defected from the Speaker to the Majority Bloc on Tuesday confessed that four attempts were made to bribe him into signing the resolution and he refused.

He said: “This decision was critically decided, that’s why it took me months. I rejected bribes on four different occasions. I was sent to the legislature to serve a whole district with over 20,000 voters not to worship a certain individual.”

Alleged leak audio

Meanwhile, a leaked audio of Rep Koon has surfaced following his election as Speaker by the Majority Bloc. In the audio, Rep. Koon can be heard saying Speaker Koffa is being targeted because he offended many top and influential lawmakers including former Speakers of the House of Representatives. He said these top lawmakers are behind the Speaker’s removal.

With now two Speakers, the Capitol will be tense in the coming days. Staffers, especially those in central administration will be in a dilemma on deciding who to recognize.

MONROVIA — The University of Liberia Student Union (ULSU) has urged the 43 lawmakers in the majority bloc of the National Legislature to return to their legislative duties without delay.

By Edwin G. Genoway, edwin.genoway@frontpageafricaonline.com

The union emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in addressing pressing national issues, calling the current absence of lawmakers unacceptable.

In a statement, ULSU leaders expressed concern over the lack of legislative activity, highlighting the urgent need for elected representatives to engage with critical matters affecting Liberia, such as the economy, education, healthcare, and security.

“It is imperative that these lawmakers fulfill their mandate to serve the Liberian people, particularly during these challenging times,” the statement read.

ULSU said the well-being of the Liberian populace should be the legislature’s top priority, and lawmakers must provide oversight and support for national stability and progress.

Talking about accountability and transparency, ULSU called for clear communication and transparency in legislative actions, stressing that any prolonged absence undermines public trust in democratic institutions.

The student body noted that the youth and student community are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to engage in peaceful advocacy if legislative responsibilities continue to be neglected.

“ULSU stands united in this call for action. We urge all stakeholders, civic groups, and citizens to join us in holding our leaders accountable,” the statement concluded.

The leadership of the University of Liberia Student Union further emphasized that Liberia’s future relies on the active participation of its elected officials in governance.

The House of Representatives has been enmeshed in turbulence, with Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s authority severely challenged. On October 24, 2024, Koffa attempted to solidify his position by filing a writ of prohibition with the Supreme Court to prevent the Anti-Koffa bloc from conducting separate sessions, which he deemed illegal. However, under substantial pressure and after Senate mediation, Koffa withdrew his writ, signaling a significant retreat.

The political climate within the House has deteriorated further as Koffa has repeatedly failed to secure the majority needed to retain his speakership. In the latest session, he managed only 30 out of the required 37 votes, marking his third consecutive failure and illustrating his diminishing support. 

This shortfall not only undermines his leadership but also highlights the deepening divisions within the legislative body.