Rep. Taa Wongbe of Nimba County District #9 has strongly defended Speaker J. Fonati Koffa amid ongoing political tensions in the House of Representatives. Wongbe, a supporter of the embattled Speaker, issued a statement following the Supreme Court’s recent reference to Koffa as the “Purported Speaker” in its ruling on March 4, 2025. While some may interpret this as a political stance, Wongbe emphasized that the issue at hand is rooted in legal matters, not politics.
Wongbe pointed out that the Supreme Court’s ruling last year had clearly stated that all actions related to the Speaker’s removal were beyond legal authority, thus calling them ultra vires. Despite this, Wongbe argued, the executive branch has continued to interpret the Court’s decision in a manner that has contributed to the ongoing deadlock within the House.
The Nimba lawmaker criticized the so-called “majority bloc” for seeking media coverage and public endorsement to assert their claim to the Speaker’s position. He noted, however, that key international stakeholders such as foreign governments, investors, the United Nations, and ECOWAS have refrained from engaging with the majority bloc, fearing legal repercussions should the contested leadership be recognized.
Wongbe explained that the Supreme Court’s use of the term “Purported Speaker” was a legal distinction, not a political maneuver. He stressed that this terminology should not be dismissed, as it highlights the ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding the leadership of the House.
In his statement, Rep. Wongbe reiterated that the removal of Speaker Koffa must be done through a lawful process. He rejected the notion that this matter is merely political, emphasizing the importance of upholding the sovereignty of the nation and ensuring the rule of law is respected. Wongbe confirmed that Speaker Koffa remains the legitimate Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives unless a proper legal process is followed, stating that Koffa retains the option to resign, which would trigger a legitimate election.
Rep. Wongbe also urged his colleagues to reflect on the broader consequences of their actions, warning that continued disregard for the law would weaken Liberia’s democratic institutions and damage the country’s international reputation. He called for meaningful negotiations to resolve the impasse and expressed hope that all parties would work towards a lawful resolution that would stabilize the nation and restore order.
The statement follows the issuance of a writ by the Supreme Court on March 4, 2025, summoning key members of the House of Representatives to appear before the full bench on March 14, 2025, in connection with a Bill of Information filed by Speaker Koffa and other members of the 55th Legislature.
