Liberia: House Speaker Koffa Hints at Possible Exit Following Supreme Court Ruling Against ‘Majority Bloc’ - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia – House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has hinted at a possible exit from his role, following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling nullifying the speakership claim of Representative Richard Nagbe Koon and declaring the actions of the so-called “Majority Bloc” as unconstitutional.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court ruled that all decisions and actions taken by the Majority Bloc amid the leadership crisis in the House of Representatives were in direct violation of the Constitution.

Delivering the opinion of the Court, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh stated:
“Any action or sitting of the majority bloc in which the elected Speaker is not presiding—despite being present and neither absent nor incapacitated—is unconstitutional. The actions of the self-styled ‘Majority Bloc’ are in total disregard for the rule of law.”

The decision was in response to a Bill of Information filed by Speaker Koffa, in which he challenged the parallel sittings and decisions of the rival bloc, claiming they had misinterpreted an earlier Supreme Court ruling.

In a video address posted on his official Facebook page following the verdict, Speaker Koffa expressed gratitude to the Court and to Liberians for their support throughout the prolonged crisis.

“Today, the Supreme Court of Liberia reaffirmed and upheld the rule of law in what has been termed a legislative impasse,” he said. “As we have always pledged, the ruling of the Court is our final bus stop. The Court has ruled—effectively recognizing that our leadership holds the constitutional mandate of the first branch of government—and we welcome that decision.”

Speaker Koffa also hinted that he is prepared to step down if that would help bring unity to the House.

“I am not unmindful that reconciliation and progress may require that I make the ultimate sacrifice—and I am not unwilling to pay that price,” he said. “Let us show this nation how democracies are built.”

He further announced plans to reach out to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Representative Richard Koon to form a joint reconciliation and transitional committee, aimed at healing divisions within the Legislature.

“To our colleagues on the other side, we recognize your grievances and call on you to join us in ending the stalemate at Capitol Hill. Come, let us reason together,” he said, quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy: “Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us not fear to negotiate.”

Koffa lauded his colleagues who, despite political and personal risks, stood firmly for the rule of law during the standoff.

“To my colleagues who have stood up for the rule of law at great peril to their political and financial lives, my sincere salute,” he said. “Society becomes great when ordinary men and women rise up to do extraordinary things.”

He also extended heartfelt thanks to Liberians both at home and abroad for their unwavering support.

“To the hundreds of thousands of Liberians here and around the world who, on bended knees, prayed with us, texted words of encouragement, and held us up lest we fall—we are truly grateful,” he said. “Without you, this advancement in our democracy would not have been possible. We will always remember you. We will always be your servants.”