Monrovia, Liberia– In defiance to the Supreme Court ruling on the Bill of Information filed by embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa reinstating him as the legitimate speaker of the House of Representatives, Majority Bloc current Speaker Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, Sr. and the leadership of the House have issued a formal statement rejecting the court’s judgment, describing it as an “atrocious and audacious violation” of the constitutional doctrine of separation of powers.
Speaker Koon, speaking on behalf of the House leadership, maintained that the removal of Koffa was conducted in full accordance with Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and House Rule 9(a), which allows for the removal of the Speaker by a two-thirds majority—amounting to 49 of the 73 members. Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution mandates that the House of Representatives elect a Speaker (the presiding officer), a Deputy Speaker, and other officers every six years to ensure the proper functioning of the House and same can be removed by two-third majority of the House. According to Koon, 50 lawmakers signed the resolution to oust Koffa on grounds of corruption, conflict of interest, and mismanagement.“
No member filed a motion for reconsideration of that decision,” Koon noted, citing Rule 17.4(q) of the House Rules. “As such, this Resolution remains a valid record of the House and no judgment of the Supreme Court can expunge it.”In a statement issued barely hours after the Supreme Court handed down its ruling under Koon’s hand and the official seal of the Speaker’s Office, emphasized that the House would not comply with the court’s ruling. “
Plenary shall continue to conduct the business of the House of Representatives without any deference or regard to the Supreme Court’s Opinion and Judgment,” it read.The House leadership also declared that Koffa, despite the court’s decision, will not be allowed to preside over any session or meeting of the House. “
Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, Sr. was elected and inducted into office as Speaker pursuant to Rule 10.1,” the release affirmed.Many legal and political observers note that this development marks a deepening constitutional crisis, pitting the legislative and judicial branches against one another in a public dispute that could test the limits of Liberia’s governance framework.Speaker Koon accused the Supreme Court of undermining the governance of the Republic and warned that the Legislature would explore every legal and political option to defend its autonomy.“
Plenary shall vigorously and assiduously pursue any such legal or political rights to protect the sanctity and integrity of the House,” the statement said.Despite the ruling, the House maintains that all of its actions, including the enactment of the 2025 National Budget, remain fully legitimate and binding.This unprecedented standoff raises serious questions about the balance of power in Liberia’s democratic system.
