-Supreme Court Frowns On Majority Bloc for Disregarding Its Previous Ruling
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – Liberia’s Supreme Court frowned on actions by the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives, and what it considers their defiance of judicial orders and constitutional procedures in the ongoing battle to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“Where he, Speaker Koffa, is still sitting, and you open a parallel session, it can create chaos,” declared Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh during a hearing on Wednesday on a Bill of Information filed by Koffa’s legal team.
When the majority bloc lawyers argued that more than 50 lawmakers voted to oust Koffa, the Chief Justice noted: “You can increase to hundred. We are saying, we have said and we say it again… you can be thousand but we say at the time of that petition.” The Chief Justice emphasized: “What made you go and designate another speaker when there was already a designated speaker when this court spoke?”
The case marks a critical juncture in a five-month legislative crisis that has paralyzed governance, triggered violent clashes, and drawn international concern. At the heart of the dispute is the Majority Bloc’s persistent push to remove Koffa through contested sessions—actions the Supreme Court had previously ruled “ultra vires” (beyond legal authority).
Chief Justice Yuoh and Associate Justices unanimously reinforced that legislative proceedings—including speaker removal—must meet strict constitutional thresholds: a quorum of 49 representatives and presidency by the elected Speaker.
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay stressed that while the Court cannot dictate legislative actions, it must ensure compliance with the law. Justice D. Kaba openly questioned the Majority Bloc’s legal footing, while Justice Wolokollie warned that flouting procedures sets a “dangerous precedent” for future governance.
Majority Bloc’s Defense Crumbles
Representing the Majority Bloc, Cllr. Varney Sherman argued that lawmakers could convene without the Speaker—a claim swiftly dismissed by the Court. Chief Justice Yuoh countered: **”Why hold parallel sessions when the constitutionally elected Speaker remains in office?”
The justices also noted the broader implication of the crisis: 16 suspended lawmakers, disrupted representation, and escalating tensions, including security forces targeting opposition members.
The turmoil erupted on October 17, 2024, when dissident lawmakers attempted to oust Koffa, later electing Richard Nagbe Koon as rival Speaker on November 21. Despite the Supreme Court invalidating Koon’s faction, the Executive Branch and Senate controversially endorsed it, deepening institutional chaos.
Recent months saw alarming developments: security forces breaking into a lawmaker’s vehicle, the Majority Bloc authorizing forceful treatment of colleagues, and 22% of legislators suspended, leaving constituencies voiceless. The Supreme Court has reserved its ruling but demanded security provisions for justices ahead of the final decision.
