-”Majority Bloc” Continues Its Activities, Despite Supreme Court Mandate
By Jerromie S. Walters
On November 22, 2024, the Honorable Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia ordered the House of Representatives to revert to the status quo ante. This legal directive aimed to restore the House to its previous state, prior to the controversial actions taken by the self-styled “Majority Bloc.”
However, just four days later, on November 26, 2024, the bloc convened in the Joint Chamber, seemingly ignoring the court’s mandate and inflating questions about their respect for the rule of law. During this session, which the Majority Bloc claimed included 45 members in attendance, various legislative matters were discussed, despite the Supreme Court’s clear directive.
Political pundits say the audacity of this meeting accentuates a troubling trend: a blatant disregard for judicial authority that could have far-reaching implications for Liberia’s democratic institutions. One of the most striking moments from this engagement came from Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, who was controversially elected as Speaker just days prior.
In what he considered as a caveat, Koon warned lawmakers who had been suspended by the “Majority Bloc”. “We want to send a caveat to them that they should understand that plenary took a decision to suspend them,” he asserted, emphasizing that those suspended should not be seen around the premises. He further threatened that any attempts to amend or reverse the suspension could lead to severe consequences.
Howbeit, some Liberians say this rhetoric not only reveals the internal tensions within the House but also reflects a broader disregard for the Supreme Court’s ruling. They believe that by the bloc continuing to operate as if the court’s decision does not exist, it risks undermining the very foundations of Liberia’s democratic processes.
The court’s order was not merely a suggestion; it was a legal mandate intended to protect the integrity of the legislative body and uphold the rule of law. With this, observers hold the belief that the implications of this defiance are significant. They say Ifthe Majority Bloc continues to act independently of judicial oversight, it sets a dangerous precedent for political conduct in Liberia.
Moreover, the separation of powers, a cornerstone of democracy, relies on mutual respect among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. When one branch openly flouts the directives of another, it jeopardizes the stability of governance and erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
The mandate:
The detective came last week as part of a hearing scheduled for November 26, 2024, to address the constitutionality of certain actions taken by the self-styled “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives. The case will be presided over by Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh and Associate Justices JameSetta L. Wolokolie, Yussif D. Kaba, Yamie Quiqui Geisay, and CeainehD. Clinton-Jonson.
“YOU ARE FURTHER COMMANDED to instruct the Minister of Justice and their returns referenced Members of the House of Representatives to file their OFFICIAL RETURNS to this Writ in the Office of the Clerk of this Honorable Court on or before the said 26 day of November A. L, 2024; and have the Members of the House of Representatives RETURN TO STATUS QUO ANTE and STAY ALL FURTHER PROCEEDINGS OR ACTIONS PENDING THE DETERMINATION OF THE MATTER,” the official writ issued Friday stated.
Moreover, Brigadier General Amos B. Kesseh Dickson, Sr., Marshal of the Supreme Court, was directed to notify the Minister of Justice/Attorney General to appear before the full bench of the court. The Minister was required to file returns regarding the petition submitted by the plaintiffs, who are challenging the actions of some members of the legislative body.
The court also instructed that all proceedings or actions related to the matter be stayed pending the court’s determination. In addition to notifying the Minister of Justice and the affected legislators, the Marshal is required to ensure that a copy of the writ was served to them. The writ also mandated that the members of the House of Representatives involved in the case file their official returns by the specified date.
The Impasse
On October 17, 2024, a faction of 47 members from the House of Representatives introduced a resolution to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position. Since then, the situation has gotten complex.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District #11 was elected and inducted as the “new Speaker” of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. This decision was made by approximately 50 members of the Majority Bloc, who convened to endorse a resolution that removed Koffa from his position and declared the speakership vacant.
Koon’s election took place on a white ballot on Thursday, November 21, 2024, just minutes after the resolution was passed. In a counter-response to his election and subsequent induction, several lawmakers from Koffa’s faction, who initially supported the resolution for his removal but later retracted their signatures, condemned the Majority Bloc’s actions as illegal. During a press conference today, these lawmakers threatened legal action against the Majority Bloc, revealing that they have already consulted with their lawyers regarding the matter.
The Removal Attempt
The Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives on Thursday, November 21, 2024, officially voted to remove Cllr. J. FonatiKoffa from his position as Speaker of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. The resolution was supported by 50 representatives, according to the Bloc.
The resolution was read aloud during a session on Thursday by Acting Chief Clerk Comic Chea, following a motion introduced by Representative James Kolleh of Bong County. The Bloc’s decision comes in the wake of a specialized committee’s report, which recommended that Koffa’s position be declared vacant due to his failure to respond to serious allegations raised by six lawmakers within the bloc.
