By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Majority Bloc of Liberia’s House of Representatives, led by Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, has petitioned the Supreme Court to reconsider its April 23 ruling that declared legislative actions taken without Deputy Speaker J. Fonati Koffa presiding unconstitutional.
The petition, filed Friday and endorsed by lawyers Albert Sims and Varney Sherman, argues that Koffa was lawfully removed by a two-thirds majority vote under Article 49 of the Constitution and the House’s Standing Rules. The bloc insists the Court overlooked key facts, including alleged procedural irregularities and the lack of quorum on Koffa’s side.
Koon, who has declared himself Speaker, previously rejected the Court’s decision, calling it a “flagrant violation” of the separation of powers. He accused the judiciary of overreach, stating, “There is absolutely no legal efficacy … in mandating that Hon. Koffa continues to be Speaker.”
The petition warns that nullifying the Majority Bloc’s actions—including passage of the 2025 National Budget—could paralyze governance. The lawmakers claim they were forced to convene in the Joint Chambers due to obstruction, but the Court allegedly focused on the session’s venue rather than quorum legitimacy.
Boakai Backs Majority
The legal battle has escalated into a political crisis. President Joseph Boakai appeared to endorse the Majority Bloc in a Thursday address, pledging to work with a “functioning quorum” to maintain governance.
His stance drew fierce opposition backlash. Four parties—CDC, ANC, MOVEE, and CMC—demanded he retract his remarks by Tuesday or face nationwide protests. Activist Mulbah Morlu accused Boakai of undermining the judiciary, while ex-VP Jewel Howard Taylor and former Rep. Acarous Gray joined opposition leaders in condemning the move.
The Majority Bloc seeks a rehearing to validate Koon’s leadership and uphold contested legislative decisions. The standoff threatens to deepen Liberia’s institutional rift, with the Supreme Court’s response likely to determine the balance of power between branches of government.
