Monrovia, Liberia–Former Chief Justice of Liberia Frances Allison, formerly known as ‘Francis Johnson-Morris’ has weighed in on the turbulent speakership saga that recently rocked the House of Representatives, warning of sobering lessons for the country’s political class and democratic institutions.
In a strongly worded reflection, Justice Allison offered a blistering critique of lawmakers’ conduct, asserting that the drawn-out dispute over House leadership exposed deep flaws in political accountability, loyalty, and the rule of law.
Lesson #1: Lawmakers Represent Themselves, Not the People
Allison, who served the County’s highest Court from 1996-1997, criticized members of the Legislature for what she described as “self-serving behavior.”
According to the former Chief Justice, elected lawmakers do not represent the interest of the people; rather, they represent there self-interests.
“Elected lawmakers do not represent the people; rather, they represent themselves. If it were otherwise, the lawmakers would have sought to resolve their differences long ago instead of dragging the dispute to a point where it became clear that there could be no winner, regardless of the well-being of the people and the state,” she stated.
Lesson #2: Elections Have Consequences
She emphasized that electoral decisions come with long-term implications.
“This saga is a textbook case that elections do have consequences,” Allison noted, warning voters and political actors alike that the choices made at the ballot box shape not just leadership, but the stability of governance.
Lesson #3: Power Is a Commodity-And It’s for Sale
Perhaps the most scathing of her observations came in the form of a cautionary truth: “Power bought can be taken by a higher bidder.” The former Chief Justice appeared to be alluding to widespread allegations of bribery and vote-buying during the internal contest for Speaker of the House.
Lesson #4: The State Must Prevail
In a final appeal to national unity, Allison urged political actors to remember that personal ambitions must always bow to the collective good.
“The survival of the state supersedes anyone’s personal interest,” she concluded. “This is the very essence of the state.”
As the nation reflects on the fallout from the speakership debacle, Allison’s remarks serve as both a critique and a call to conscience for Liberian leaders navigating the turbulent waters of democratic governance.
