The political crisis in the House of Representatives has thrown the nation into turmoil as allegations of corruption, mistrust, and defiance dominate proceedings. John H.T. Stewart, former Commissioner of Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), has delivered a searing critique of the ongoing debacle in his write-up, “Try as Hard as He Might, Former Speaker Fonati Koffa Cannot Reverse the Course of History.” Published on November 25, 2024, Stewart provides an in-depth analysis of the crisis, revealing the Speaker’s growing isolation and alleged abuses of power.
The standoff in the House of Representatives has persisted for over a month, paralyzing legislative work. Speaker Fonati Koffa’s Authority to preside over sessions has been outrightly rejected by most lawmakers, who accuse him of corruption and highhandedness. In response, the majority bloc has convened sessions without him, relying on constitutional provisions that allow a simple majority to constitute a quorum for conducting business.
According to Stewart, the actions of the majority bloc represent a constitutional exercise of their rights. However, Koffa has refused to accept the reality of his diminishing support. Instead, he has employed legal maneuvers to cling to power. In one instance, he petitioned the Supreme Court to prohibit the majority from holding sessions without him. Despite the Court denying his request, Koffa continues to assert his legitimacy as Speaker.
Stewart notes that the majority bloc sent Koffa three separate invitations to account for his stewardship and address allegations of corruption. Each invitation was ignored. Left with no recourse, the majority bloc moved to elect a new Speaker, stripping Koffa of his official privileges, including his personal security detail, official vehicle, and other resources.
The crisis took a violent turn when Koffa’s allies, including Representatives Marvin Cole, Eugene Kollie, and Edward Papie Flomo, allegedly led a group of thugs to disrupt a session held by the majority bloc. The incident, captured on video, showed Cole declaring, “This is legislative war,” as chaos erupted within the Capitol. Stewart suggests that this act of aggression highlights Koffa’s willingness to resort to violence to maintain his position.
Coincidentally, the attack occurred when an ECOWAS parliamentary delegation led by Edwin Snowe arrived in Monrovia to mediate the crisis. However, their efforts proved futile, as the majority bloc refused to recognize Koffa’s Authority. ECOWAS left the country without achieving a resolution, underscoring the depth of the impasse.
Stewart’s analysis also implicates prominent political figures in the controversy. Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Senator Darius Dillon of the Liberty Party are accused of backing Koffa’s defiance. According to informed sources, the duo allegedly lobbied President Boakai to appoint Cllr. Oswald Natu Tweh as Justice Minister is seen as aligning the Ministry of Justice with Koffa’s interests.
Justice Minister Tweh’s involvement has raised further suspicions. Stewart alleges that Tweh held private meetings with Koffa and his legal team at his law office, Pierre, Tweh & Associates, over two consecutive days last week. The purpose of these meetings remains unclear, but critics view them as an attempt to shield Koffa from accountability.
Adding to the controversy, Justice Minister Tweh has remained silent on the violent attack at the Capitol. Stewart questions why the Minister has not taken action against those responsible despite their widely condemned actions. This inaction has fueled speculation about Tweh’s complicity in the crisis.
Rumors that the Supreme Court has ordered a “return to status quo ante” have further complicated matters. If true, this would require the majority bloc to undo their actions and restore Koffa’s privileges until the Court resolves his petition. However, legal experts argue that such an order would violate the separation of powers, as the Constitution grants the House of Representatives autonomy in its proceedings.
Stewart emphasizes that the Constitution clarifies quorum requirements: majority of House members can conduct business without the Speaker’s presence. He argues that the Speaker is merely a “first among equals” and not superior to other lawmakers. This interpretation undermines Koffa’s claim that sessions without his gavel are illegitimate.
The Supreme Court’s involvement raises concerns about judicial overreach. Stewart warns that any ruling forcing the majority bloc to recognize Koffa’s Authority would set a dangerous precedent. He recalls past instances where the Court’s decisions have been criticized for undermining democratic principles.
President Boakai, who recently submitted the national budget to the Legislature, now faces pressure to intervene. Stewart urges the President to demand an explanation from Justice Minister Tweh regarding his meetings with Koffa and his failure to address the Capitol assault. The President’s response, Stewart argues, will be critical in preserving his administration’s credibility.
Stewart also highlights the broader implications of the crisis. He suggests that Koffa’s defiance, coupled with the support of key political allies, could destabilize the Boakai administration. The refusal of Senate Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence to participate in a joint budget review with the House is seen as a deliberate effort to undermine legislative processes.
The crisis has drawn attention to Koffa’s controversial past. Stewart reminds readers that Koffa, a former financier of the Liberty Party, was once convicted of financial crimes in the United States. His history, combined with his current actions, raises questions about his fitness to lead.
As the crisis unfolds, the majority bloc remains steadfast in its position. Whether the Supreme Court will side with Koffa or uphold the autonomy of the Legislature remains to be seen. Legal analysts argue that the Court has no basis to compel lawmakers to sit under Koffa’s gavel.
Stewart concludes by reiterating the significance of the separation of powers. He asserts that the majority bloc’s actions are consistent with constitutional provisions and warns against any attempt to reverse their decisions through judicial fiat.
For President Boakai, the stakes could not be higher. His administration must navigate this crisis carefully to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law. In the words of Stewart, “Try as hard as he might, Fonati Koffa cannot reverse the course of history.”
