-Causes Court to Summon Him Following a Petition for a Writ of Declaratory Judgment 

By Jerromie S. Walters

The 16th Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court has summoned Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon to appear on Thursday, January 16, 2025.

This writ of summons follows a 22-count petition for a writ of declaratory judgment filed by lawyers for embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. They are asking the court to declare Koon’s election NULL and VOID.

The petition cites violations of House Standing Rules and Articles 33 and 49 of the 1986 Constitution. Koffa’s lawyers also seek to declare illegal the parallel sessions held by the self-styled “Majority Bloc.”

Additionally, they are requesting the court to issue a stay order, ensuring their clients can participate in legislative sessions, discussions, and committee work.

The Birth of the Conflict

Tensions heightened on October 17, 2024, when 47 members of the 55th Legislature attempted to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, citing misconduct. On November 21, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon was controversially elected as the “new Speaker.” Many lawmakers, however, labeled his election fraudulent.

On November 18, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Draft National Budget, totaling US$851.8 million. This budget reflects a 15.3% increase over the previous year’s appropriation, aiming to fulfill key priorities of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

Despite the chaos, Koffa insists he remains the Speaker. The Legislature is set to close on January 6, 2025, and will resume on January 13, 2025, for its second session. The Sergeant At-Arms will announce the sitting, and Koffa is expected to address his colleagues.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) will follow a week later, as mandated by Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution.

Restructuring Leadership

On November 19, 2024, the “Majority Bloc” initiated a restructuring of the House leadership, replacing key committee heads. Representative Dixon Seboe was removed as Chairman of the House Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget, along with Co-Chair Ellen Attoh Wreh.

This restructuring has also impacted other committees, including the Committee on Public Accounts, held by anti-Koffa lawmakers. Representative Yekeh Kolubah has criticized the securing of committees as a way for lawmakers to generate illegal funds through the national budget.

The Suspensions

On November 19, 2024, the “Majority Bloc” suspended Representatives Edward P. Flomo, Abu Kamara, and Marvin Cole for one month due to misconduct. Several other lawmakers faced similar suspensions, forfeiting their salaries for the duration. The decision was unanimous, though three lawmakers abstained from voting.

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