The Supreme Court of Liberia faces significant challenges in reaching a unanimous decision on the ongoing political impasse at the House of Representatives.
Sources close to the Court have revealed to Verity News that the High Court is grappling with internal disagreements over resolving the contentious issue, further complicated by allegations of executive interference and bribery.
At the center of the dispute are two rival factions within the House: the Majority Bloc, led by Representative Richard Koon, and the Pro-Koffa Bloc, which supports Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. Both factions are vying for control of the legislative body, resulting in a state of paralysis as they await the Court’s ruling.
Adding to the volatility of the situation, allegations of bribery have emerged, further clouding the proceedings.
Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah held a briefing on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his district office, where he accused the executive branch of orchestrating a bribery scheme.
Kolubah alleged that the Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Sekou H. Dukuly, had funneled over USD 900,000 to key figures in the Majority Bloc to influence the Court’s decision in their favor.
Kolubah named several prominent individuals as alleged bribe recipients, including Bong County Senator Prince Moye, Maryland Senator James Biney, and Margibi Senator Emmanuel Nuquay.
However, Dukuly vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “baseless propaganda.” He challenged Representative Kolubah to provide evidence to back up the claims, dismissing the allegations as a political maneuver to undermine his reputation.
The bribery allegations have sparked widespread condemnation. Critics argue that if proven true, such actions could severely damage public trust in Liberia’s judiciary. As tensions rise, lawmakers from both sides of the dispute have expressed growing frustration and uncertainty. Some members of the Minority Bloc, including Rep. Marvin Cole, have expressed confidence that the law will ultimately prevail, with Cole insisting that “anything not money” will lead to a victory for their faction.
Rep. Frank Saah Foko, Jr., a staunch supporter of Speaker Koffa, has called on the Supreme Court to uphold the rule of law, emphasizing that “no man is above the law.” Meanwhile, members of the Pro-Koffa Bloc, such as Rep. Musa Bility, have raised concerns over the legitimacy of the Majority Bloc’s leadership, with Bility signaling growing dissatisfaction by stating, “The Tin Line is getting thinner.”
The ongoing leadership crisis has raised serious concerns about the stability of Liberia’s governance. A prolonged deadlock threatens to disrupt legislative activities, eroding public trust in state institutions. Legal experts urge the Supreme Court to act quickly and impartially to resolve the standoff and restore order to Liberia’s democratic processes.
If the Court’s ruling is perceived as biased, it could set a dangerous precedent, undermining confidence in the judicial system. On the other hand, further delays in reaching a decision could deepen the paralysis in the House of Representatives, creating additional uncertainty in the political scene.
