Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian Senate has officially recognized the majority bloc of the House of Representatives and Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon as the legitimate Speaker of the House. This decision further isolates embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa amidst ongoing leadership disputes on Capitol Hill.
The Senate’s decision was announced during a press briefing by Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, who disclosed that the majority of Senators voted to uphold the opinion of Justice Minister Oswald Tweh regarding the constitutional authority of the majority bloc. Pro Tempore Lawrence explained that the decision followed a consultative meeting held at the Capitol Building in Monrovia.
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, during the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing, clarified the ongoing legislative impasse. He stated that the majority bloc of the House of Representatives possesses the constitutional authority to conduct business on behalf of the legislative body. Minister Tweh added that their actions do not contravene any provisions of the Liberian Constitution.
Minister Tweh’s opinion came at the directive of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who sought clarification following a controversial Supreme Court ruling on the case filed by Speaker Koffa against the majority bloc. The ruling has sparked mixed interpretations from legal experts and the public.
The Senate’s recognition of Speaker Koon marks a significant shift in its stance. Initially, the Senate had decided not to engage with either the Pro-Koffa group or the majority bloc. However, its latest decision aligns with the Justice Minister’s opinion, paving the way for legislative collaboration with the majority bloc, especially regarding the 2025 draft budget currently under review.
Notably, Margibi County Senator Nathaniel McGill voiced his opposition to the Senate’s decision, highlighting internal disagreements within the legislative body.
In a parallel development, the Executive Branch has reportedly ordered the recall of all security details, including police escorts and convoy vehicles, previously assigned to Speaker Koffa. These assets have now been transferred to Speaker Koon, further solidifying the government’s support for the majority bloc.
The leadership crisis escalated in October 2024 when over 40 members of the House of Representatives, identifying as the majority bloc, began holding separate sessions in the Joint Chambers. They accused Speaker Koffa of corruption, nepotism, and conflict of interest—allegations Koffa has vehemently denied.
On November 21, 2024, the majority bloc conducted an election, selecting Richard Nagbe Koon as the new Speaker. The election, conducted via a white ballot, has since been a focal point of contention in Liberian politics.
The Senate’s recognition of the majority bloc is expected to expedite legislative processes, particularly the passage of the 2025 draft budget. This development comes as Liberia faces mounting public discontent over economic challenges and governance issues.
The decision underscores growing divisions within the legislative branch and between the government and opposition factions, raising concerns about the country’s fragile political stability.
The withdrawal of security details and the Senate’s alignment with Speaker Koon signal a dwindling support base for Speaker Koffa. Should he continue to contest the majority bloc’s authority, these actions could significantly impact his ability to function effectively in his role.
With the Senate and Executive Branch recognizing Speaker Koon and the majority bloc, the embattled Speaker Koffa faces limited options. Whether he seeks further legal recourse or attempts to rally remaining allies remains uncertain.
