By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – Tensions heightened in the main chamber of Liberia’s House of Representatives as lawmakers debated whether to include the lifting of suspended members’ suspensions on the legislative agenda.
The contentious issue, listed as Item B on the agenda for the 1st Day Sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 2nd Session of the 55th Legislature*, has sparked sharp divisions. Several legislators, including Grand Kru County District #2 Representative and former Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, argued that the item should be removed, citing the recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed previous House actions during the leadership dispute unconstitutional. After heated debate, the House voted 40-1 to retain the item on the agenda
Supreme Court Ruling Declares Previous Actions Unconstitutional
The dispute stems from an April 23, 2025, Supreme Court decision read by Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Young. The court ruled that all House proceedings conducted without the elected Speaker presiding—unless formally absent or incapacitated—were unconstitutional.
The ruling reinforced Chapter VII, Article 66 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which designates the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of constitutional disputes. The decision followed months of turmoil in the House, where a faction led by Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard N. Koon repeatedly convened sessions without Speaker Koffa.
Chief Justice Young emphasized: “Any action or sitting of the majority bloc in which the elected Speaker is not presiding—despite being present and not absent or incapacitated—is unconstitutional. The majority bloc is hereby mandated to operate in accordance with the Constitution.”
Wave of Suspensions Deepens Political Crisis
During the leadership dispute, 16 of the 73 lawmakers were suspended, marking one of the most turbulent periods in Liberia’s legislative history. The suspensions—largely targeting the minority bloc—left thousands of constituents without representation and intensified political divisions.
December 13, 2024: Reps. Frank Saah Foko Jr., Eugine K.M. Kollie, Zinnah Norman, and Alex S. Noah were suspended for 30 session days under Rule 48.7(c) for alleged violations, forfeiting salaries and benefits.
- November 19, 2024: Reps. Edward P. Flomo, Abu Kamara, and Marvin Cole were suspended for misconduct. Flomo and Cole later had suspensions extended after being seen near the Capitol during their penalties.
- Subsequent Suspensions: Vocal critics, including Rep. Yekeh Kolubah and former Speaker Koffa, were suspended for “persistent absences” under House Rule 21.1bOthers suspended included Reps. Dixon Seboe, Musa Bility, and Luther Collins.
The Majority Bloc, led by Rep. Koon, also restructured House leadership, authorized forceful treatment of lawmakers, and reportedly ordered the breaking into Rep. Kolubah’s vehicle.
