-Amid Political Tensions
Monrovia, Liberia – The Catholic Archbishop of Monrovia, Gabriel Blamo Jubwe, has called on Liberians to uphold the rule of law, warning that its absence could lead to societal chaos. Delivering his Easter Sunday sermon at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Archbishop Jubwe emphasized that there should be no justification for compromising legal principles.
“The Liberian Constitution establishes a democratic republic where leaders are elected, and government authority operates within defined rights and limits,” he stated. “The rule of law ensures that everyone in society, including rulers, is subject to the same legal standards—equal before the law.”
The Archbishop’s message comes amid political tensions in Liberia, including a recent controversy involving House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Speaker Koffa, a prominent Catholic, was part of President Joseph Boakai’s delegation to the Vatican on October 18, 2024, where they were received by Pope Francis. The visit underscored the longstanding relationship between Liberia and the Holy See, reinforcing cooperation in education and healthcare.
President Boakai expressed gratitude for the Catholic Church’s contributions to Liberia’s development, particularly through its schools and medical facilities, which have significantly impacted social welfare.
Political Turmoil Over Speaker’s Position
However, while the delegation was in Rome, about 40 members of the House of Representatives signed a petition seeking Speaker Koffa’s removal. Upon his return, Koffa insisted on due process, citing Article 49 of Liberia’s Constitution, which mandates a two-thirds majority (49 representatives) to remove a Speaker.
Despite this, the dissenting group—unable to secure the required 49 votes—declared itself the “majority bloc” and elected Unity Party’s Richard Koon as an alternative Speaker. The move has sparked legal and procedural debates, with critics arguing that it undermines constitutional order.
Archbishop Jubwe’s sermon on the rule of law appears timely, as Liberia faces a test of its democratic institutions. Legal experts stress that adherence to constitutional procedures is crucial to maintaining stability and preventing arbitrary power shifts.
