MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Supreme Court of Liberia on Wednesday granted the Bill of Information reaffirming Cllr. Fonati Koffa is the legitimate Speaker of the 55th National Legislature.
In its ruling, the court declared the action of the Majority Bloc of convening without the presiding officer, who was neither absent nor incapacitated, as illegal.
The court also ruled that Cllr. Koffa did not have a quorum to conduct business as the sitting Speaker does not give the Deputy Speaker or any representative the right to preside over the session.
The Supreme Court mandated the Majority Bloc to operate by its interpretations of Articles 33 and 49 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia.
However, in a dissenting opinion, Associate Justice Yamie Gbeisay disagreed with his colleagues, citing several mishaps along the way in their majority opinion.
Justice Gbeisay stressed that the controversy in the House of Representatives is more of a political matter, and that the Supreme Court cannot intervene by setting the procedures of the House, which could amount to violation of the Constitution on separation of powers of the three branches of government under Article 3 of the Liberian Constitution.
He said the House has placed itself in a power struggle motivated by politics, which the Supreme Court should be cautious of and not be in the center of conflict, but rather state what the law is and not engage in political disputes, as it is in the instant case.
But speaking minutes following the Court’s decision, Cllr. Fonati Koffa described the ruling as a victory for the rule of law.
He said:” Now that the Court has ruled, it was imperative that members of the House of Representatives, especially the Majority Bloc, join forces for the progress of the country.”
Cllr. Koffa paid tribute to members of the House who stood with him, terming them the pillars of democracy and champions of the rule of law.
He said,” In the coming days, I will reach out to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Representative Richard Koon to forge a new beginning.”
Cllr. Koffa said he will also establish a joint reconciliation and transitional committee to foster peace and unity in the House.
Meanwhile, the Majority Bloc has issued a statement rejecting the ruling from the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Their decision came minutes after the High Court ruled in the Bill of Information filed by Cllr. Fonati Koffa’s legal team.
According to the statement, the former Speaker was removed by a resolution signed by fifty members of the House in full compliance with Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 9(a) of the House.
The statement outlines the working of the House as separately as required by the laws of Liberia.
The statement further explains that the former Speaker was removed from office for several reasons, including corruption and conflict of interest.
Meanwhile, the Majority Bloc has said the Supreme Court’s opinion is intended to undermine and disrupt the House and the governance of the Republic of Liberia, noting that they will continue to conduct the Liberian people’s regular business without any interruption.
