By Jerromie S. Walters
In a statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the House of Representatives impasse, House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa disclosed that in the next few days, he would consider the need for his transition, as he also goes about reaching out to encourage his colleagues to return to work.
This phrase “contemplate my transition,” in Koffa’s statement has left many wondering if this signals an impending resignation or a shift in his political trajectory. He noted via his official Facebook page: “We celebrate victory, not of a bloc, but of a democracy embedded in the rule of law. In the next few days, I will be reaching across the aisle to encourage my colleagues to return to work, do the Liberian people’s business, restructure the house, and contemplate my transition. To God be the Glory.”
“Resignation is not an option”
On October 23, 2024, House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa vowed not to resign, amid strives by over forty lawmakers from the House of Representatives to ensure his removal.
The conflict within the House of Representatives of the 55th National Legislature took a more serious trend Tuesday, October 22, 2024, as pro and anti-Koffa factions convened separate sessions, but the majority bloc concluded with a decision to summon the Deputy Speaker and others, a move that is capable of undermining Koffa’s presence in the post, especially if the majority remains tight up to next week.
The ruling
In the ongoing impasse within the House of Representatives, the Honorable Supreme Court of the Republic of Liberia on Friday, December 6, 2024, ruled that the self-styled “Majority Bloc” acted beyond its authority in recent decisions.
The Court mandated that the House of Representatives must conduct its activities in accordance with the law. It states: “Any sitting not in conformity with Articles 33 and 49 of the Liberian 1986 Constitution is Utravires (Unconstitutional). Go back and act accordingly.” Addressing concerns regarding its jurisdiction, the Court reaffirmed its authority to intervene in the House crisis, citing Article 66 of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia as the basis for its ruling.
Article 66 of the 1986 constitution states: “The Supreme Court shall be the final arbiter of constitutional issues and shall exercise final appellate jurisdiction in all cases whether emanating from courts of record, courts not of record, administrative agencies, autonomous agencies or any other authority, both as to law and fact except cases involving ambassadors, ministers, or cases in which a county is a party. In all such cases, the Supreme Court shall exercise originate jurisdiction. The Legislature shall make no law nor create any exceptions as would deprive the Supreme Court of any of the powers granted herein.”
The birth
Some 47 members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, October 17, 2024, read a resolution to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position at the grounds of the Legislature. In the resolution, the legislators cited multiple allegations of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and administrative incompetence.
The “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, officially voted to remove Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa 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.
