–House of Representatives Rule of Law Caucus Discloses Boycott Plan
By Jerromie S. Walters
The Rule of Law Caucus of the House of Representatives has announced its boycott of the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA). The body disclosed in a press statement dated Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This decision stems from concerns over the erosion of legislative independence and increasing executive interference.
The caucus is particularly alarmed by the Executive’s recognition of Representative Richard N. Koon as Speaker, despite the legitimate Speaker still holding office.
“The Executive’s recognition of Honorable Richard N. Koon as Speaker, despite the legitimate Speaker still being in office, is a blatant violation of democratic principles and legislative autonomy.”
They view this as a direct violation of democratic principles and an attack on legislative autonomy. Attending the SONA under these conditions would imply acceptance of this illegitimacy, a stance the caucus vehemently rejects. “This unprecedented action not only strips the legitimate Speaker of his authority and dignity but also humiliates the Legislature as an institution. Attending the SONA under such circumstances would amount to tacit approval of this illegitimacy—a position we categorically reject.”
Beyond the Executive penetration
Recent incidents involving law enforcement aggression against caucus members have further fueled their concerns. The group is prepared to challenge any attempts to fabricate evidence against its members in court. They emphasize their commitment to a fair investigation and cooperation with authorities.
The caucus says its decision to boycott the SONA aims to send a clear message: they will not recognize a Speaker who has not been legitimately elected. The matter is currently under judicial review, and any prior recognition of Koon undermines both the rule of law and the democratic process.
“By boycotting the SONA, we are sending a resolute message: we will not acknowledge the authority of a Speaker who has not been legitimately elected. The matter is currently under judicial review, and any recognition of Honorable Richard N. Koon before a final court determination undermines both the rule of law and the democratic process.”
The caucus asserts that their constitutional duty is to protect the integrity of the Legislature. Participating in an event organized by an Executive branch that disregards legislative independence would compromise their integrity and perpetuate illegality.
They are calling on Senate members and other lawmakers who share their concerns to join this principled stand. Together, they must reject actions that undermine institutions, erode the rule of law, and threaten Liberia’s democracy.
The Rule of Law Caucus says it remains committed to justice, legislative independence, and democratic governance. This boycott is not merely an act of defiance but a principled stand against threats to the foundation of democracy.
“The Rule of Law Caucus remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, legislative independence, and democratic governance. This boycott is not an act of defiance but a firm and principled stand against actions that threaten the very foundation of our democracy.”
The SONA
The 55th Legislature recently announced the grounds of the Capitol as the venue for this year’s annual message. The decision for the event to be held at the grounds of the capitol was necessitated by the December 18 “arson attack” on the William R. Tolbert Joint Chamber which is originally the venue for the annual message.
The State of Nation Address is in keeping with Article 58 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution which states: “The President shall, on the fourth working Monday in January of each year, present the administration’s legislative programs for the ensuing session, and shall once a year report to the Legislature on the state of the Republic. In presenting the economic condition of the Republic the report shall cover expenditure as well as income”.
However, President Joseph Byuma Boakai’s second State of the Nation address will be delivered to a certain Bloc of the House of Representatives and Senate, rather than the full legislature due to ongoing impasse.
The Unstable HOR
Tensions exacerbated on October 17, 2024, when 47 members sought to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa over allegations of misconduct.
On November 21, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon was controversially elected as the “new Speaker.” Many lawmakers, however, labeled his election fraudulent.
Despite the chaos, Speaker Koffa remains defiant. He recently announced that all state security personnel assigned to him would be withdrawn, but he insists he will continue to uphold the rule of law and the Liberian Constitution. “You can be riding in the hurricane’s eye and still have peace within,” he stated.
