-The Fallout from 16 Lawmakers’ Suspensions
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s House of Representatives is in the grip of an unprecedented political crisis, with 16 of the 73 lawmakers suspended in recent months, marking one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Legislature. The suspensions, largely targeting members of the minority bloc, have deepened divisions within the legislative body and left thousands of constituents without representation.
The suspended lawmakers include: Representatives Frank Saah Foko Jr., Eugine K.M. Kollie, Zinnah Norman, Alex S. Noah, Edward P. Flomo, Marvin Cole, Yekeh Kolubah, Dixon W. Seboe, Musa Bility, Muka Kamara, Samuel Enders, Jerry Yougboh, Thomas Goshua, Jacob Debee, Luther Collins and embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
The crisis began on October 17, 2024, when a group of lawmakers initiated moves to remove Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa over several allegations. The situation escalated on November 21, 2024, with the controversial election of Richard Nagbe Koon as Speaker. Koffa’s supporters have since rejected the outcome, labeling it as fraudulent and unconstitutional, further fueling tensions within the House.
A String of Suspensions
Since assuming leadership, the “Majority Bloc” has taken a series of aggressive actions, including restructuring the House leadership, authorizing the forceful treatment of lawmakers, and breaking into the vehicle of Representative Yekeh Kolubah under the instructions of Representative Koon. However, the most alarming development has been the unprecedented suspension of scores of duly elected lawmakers, primarily from the minority bloc
On December 13, 2024, the Majority Bloc suspended four lawmakers—Frank Saah Foko Jr., Eugine K.M. Kollie, Zinnah Norman, and Alex S. Noah—under Rule 48.7(c) for alleged violations. Their suspensions, lasting thirty session days, included the forfeiture of salaries and benefits. This was followed by the suspension of three more lawmakers—Edward P. Flomo, Abu Kamara, and Marvin Cole—on November 19, 2024, for misconduct.
In a recent move, the suspensions of Representatives Marvin Cole and Edward Papay Flomo were extended by an additional 30 session days after they were reportedly seen around the Capitol Building during their suspension period, violating the terms of their disciplinary action. Meanwhile, the suspension of Montserrado County District #15 Representative Abu Kamara was lifted
Kolubah and Koffa Among the Latest Suspensions
Last Tuesday, the Majority Bloc voted to suspend Montserrado County District 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah for 30 session days without pay or benefits. Kolubah, a vocal critic of Koon, has repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of Koon’s election, alleging constitutional violations.
By the end of last week, the bloc suspended several other lawmakers for “persistent, unexcused absences from session,” citing House Rule 21.1. Among those suspended were embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Representative Dixon W. Seboe, Representative Musa Bility, Rep. Muka Kamara, Rep. Samuel Enders, Rep. Jerry Yougboh, Rep. Thomas Goshua, and Rep. Jacob Debee.
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Majority Bloc unanimously voted to suspend Gbarpolu County District #2 Representative Luther Collins, a member of the minority bloc, further intensifying the political rift.
The Majority Bloc has issued a warning to all suspended lawmakers to refrain from appearing at the Capitol Building during their suspension period or face additional disciplinary action. “Suspended members are urged to focus on serving their suspensions and avoid any actions that could lead to further penalties,” Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah.
What Does This Mean for Constituents?
The suspension of 16 lawmakers has left thousands of Liberians without representation in the House of Representatives. Constituents in affected districts, including Montserrado, Gbarpolu, and others, now face a critical gap in representation, lawmaking, and legislative oversight which are the three cardinal functions of a Liberian legislator.
With their representatives suspended, pundits argue that constituents are unable to voice their concerns or push for critical legislation that impacts their districts.
Many lawmakers play a key role in advocating for development projects in their districts. Observers note that their absence could delay or derail initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
A Deepening Crisis
The suspensions have also drawn criticism, with many viewing them as a targeted effort to silence dissent and consolidate power within the Majority Bloc. Critics argue that the actions undermine democratic principles and the rule of law, particularly given the allegations of fraud surrounding Koon’s election.
The recent suspensions come as the Supreme Court of Liberia is set to address a crucial Bill of Information on March 26, 2025, filed by Cllr. J Fonati Koffa, the embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Koffa took his case to the Supreme Court, arguing that these attempts constituted an illegal challenge to his authority and a violation of legislative rules. This comes after a previous ruling in early December 2024 when the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled that the Majority Bloc’s actions during the leadership standoff were “ultra vires” (beyond their legal authority) if they deviated from the intent of Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution. Despite this ruling, both the Executive Branch and the Liberian Senate endorsed the Majority Bloc’s actions on December 10, 2024, further entrenching the divide.
The protracted leadership crisis has paralyzed legislative activities, raising concerns about the House’s ability to fulfill its constitutional duties. As the political impasse continues, calls for dialogue and reconciliation are growing louder, with stakeholders urging both sides to prioritize the nation’s interests over partisan politics.
This week, the historic Borough of New Kru Town condemned the ongoing political crisis in Liberia’s House of Representatives, with particular emphasis on the “conspicuous silence” of the religious community and civil society organizations. In a statement, the people of New Kru Town, warn that the inaction of these key institutions risks eroding public trust and undermining Liberia’s democratic foundations.
The Speaker of Ghana’s 9th Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is also among scores of other prominent individuals who have emphasized the importance of the rule of law, unity, and selfless leadership in democratic governance, amid the ongoing impasse at Liberia’s House of Representatives.
