Former Montserrado County Representative Rufus Neufville has raised concerns over potential military involvement during President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for January 19, 2025. Neufville’s statement, titled “The Military May Take Control at President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s State of the Nation Address (SONA),” highlights a brewing constitutional and leadership crisis in the House of Representatives.
In his statement, Neufville pointed to Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates the President to present the administration’s legislative agenda and report on the nation’s economic condition during the annual address. Traditionally, the Speaker of the House presides over this event, directing protocols and motions. However, Neufville warned that the current leadership dispute between Representatives Fonati Koffa and Richard Koon could disrupt this year’s proceedings.
According to Neufville, Representative Koffa may cite a recent Supreme Court opinion to justify his authority as Speaker. Conversely, Representative Koon could assert his position with backing from a majority of lawmakers, the Deputy Speaker, the Senate, and the Executive Branch. This power struggle, Neufville cautioned, may escalate to the point where the military steps in to restore order.
“The military has the power to remove officials from the hall for disruptive behavior,” Neufville wrote. He noted that the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, Brigadier General Martin Johnson, holds significant authority in maintaining order during legislative sessions.
Neufville questioned the necessity of having a Brigadier General as Sergeant at Arms instead of a police officer, implying that the military’s presence in legislative affairs might signal readiness for intervention in times of crisis. “A Brigadier General commands respect and can enforce discipline in the event of confusion,” he stated.
The former lawmaker explained that in normal circumstances, the Speaker directs the actions of the Sergeant at Arms. However, in moments of heightened tension, such as a leadership tussle during the SONA, the Sergeant at Arms may take orders directly from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, President Joseph Boakai.
Neufville further elaborated on the role of the Sergeant at Arms, highlighting their authority to remove disruptive lawmakers or detain officials found in contempt of the Legislature. This power, he argued, makes the military a critical player in ensuring order during legislative crises.
The statement also referenced Liberia’s history of political tension, emphasizing the importance of avoiding disruptions during a high-profile event like the SONA, which international partners and diplomats typically attend. Neufville urged stakeholders to resolve the leadership impasse before the event to prevent potential chaos.
Neufville’s statement has generated reactions from political commentators, many of whom took to Facebook to share their views. Some noted that as the country awaits President Boakai’s address, all eyes are on the House of Representatives, where the unresolved leadership dispute threatens to overshadow the administration’s legislative agenda. Others emphasized that the prospect of military involvement underlines the gravity of the situation, raising concerns about the stability of Liberia’s democratic institutions. Commenting on the issue, Cllr. Gabriel Nah described Neufville’s warning as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between civilian governance and military authority in Liberia’s political landscape. Whether this looming crisis can be averted remains uncertain.
