Monrovia, Liberia- Former Liberian President and opposition leader George Manneh Weah has issued a strong call to President Joseph Boakai, urging him to respect the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that reinstated Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa as the constitutional Speaker of the House of Representatives.In a statement released shortly after the Court’s decision, Weah described the ruling as a “landmark opinion” and a critical test of Liberia’s constitutional democracy. He warned that any attempt to defy the Court’s judgment risks plunging the country into a dangerous constitutional crisis.“
This ruling is not merely a legal decision; it is a crucial affirmation of the rule of law and the constitutional order that underpins our democracy,” Weah said. “Ignoring or rejecting the authority of our judiciary undermines the sovereignty of our Constitution and endangers our collective peace with dire consequences.”
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, sided with Speaker Koffa, ruling that his removal by a faction of lawmakers was unconstitutional and illegal. The ruling, seen as a major victory for the opposition-aligned faction in the House, has intensified political tensions between the executive and legislative branches.Weah, who leads the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), appealed to President Boakai and his administration to respect the judiciary’s authority and abide by the decision in the interest of national peace and constitutional stability.
He also extended his call to Liberia’s international partners, urging them to stand with the country’s democratic institutions. “Your investments have been vital to Liberia’s stability and progress in democracy,” Weah stated. “Now is the time to help defend those democratic foundations.”
Weah’s remarks come amid a standoff between Speaker Richard Koon—elected by the breakaway majority bloc in January—and the reinstated Speaker Koffa. Koon has publicly rejected the Court’s decision, vowing not to recognize Koffa’s authority or allow him to preside over legislative business.Political observers now warn of a possible institutional breakdown if no resolution is reached. “
his could paralyze the House and spark a broader legitimacy crisis,” one analyst noted.In his closing remarks, Weah called on all Liberians to remain steadfast in their support for the Constitution and rule of law. “Our democracy is founded on justice, legality, and the rule of law,” he said. “Our future depends on our collective commitment to uphold these sacred values.”
