MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The political turmoil engulfing Liberia’s House of Representatives intensified today as Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and the “Majority Bloc” confronted each other in a critical Supreme Court conference presided over by Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay. The conference, which was prompted by a petition filed by Koffa, marked a significant escalation in the battle for control within the legislative chamber and highlighted the deepening divide that threatens to paralyze the nation’s governance.
The Supreme Court’s intervention followed an October 25, 2024, directive from Justice Gbeisay, ordering a temporary suspension of all legislative actions related to the dispute until the court could review the matter. Representing Speaker Koffa at the conference were former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh and Cllr. Cyrenius Cephas, who outlined their argument that the Majority Bloc’s attempt to remove Koffa lacked adherence to due process and procedural fairness. They emphasized that the collection of signatures alone, without a formal complaint or transparent process, undermined the integrity of legislative procedures.
On the other side, Cllr. Varney Sherman, representing the Majority Bloc, maintained that the move to unseat the Speaker was within legal bounds and that Koffa’s rights had not been violated. Justice Gbeisay, however, pressed Sherman for clarity on whether any formal complaint had been lodged against Koffa prior to the removal efforts. Sherman’s assertion that due process had been followed was swiftly challenged by Koffa’s legal team, who insisted that no formal complaint had been made and that the Speaker’s ouster attempt was orchestrated solely through signature collection.
Justice Gbeisay underscored the necessity of due process, directing the Majority Bloc to adhere to the proper legal framework in handling the leadership challenge within the legislative chamber. Cllr. Sherman indicated willingness to comply with these instructions, signaling a potential shift in the Majority Bloc’s approach. Representative Samuel Kogar, leader of the Majority Bloc and an attendee at the conference, confirmed that a session would be convened tomorrow but expressed uncertainty as to whether it would take place in the main or joint chambers of the House.
The crisis within the House of Representatives has rapidly escalated since October 24, 2024, when Speaker Koffa filed a writ of prohibition at the Supreme Court to prevent members of the anti-Koffa faction from holding separate sessions—sessions he deemed illegitimate. However, under mounting pressure from the Senate and other political forces, Koffa abruptly withdrew the writ, a move perceived as a strategic retreat. This decision further exposed his diminishing influence, as he has struggled to secure the legislative majority needed to maintain his position. His recent failure to achieve 37 supporting votes, falling short for the second time, has laid bare the erosion of his power and the fragmentation within the House.
Allegations against Koffa have further fueled the discord, with members of the Majority Bloc accusing him of manipulating budget processes, spreading misinformation, and obstructing an audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). Representative Nyahn G. Flomo of Nimba County delivered a pointed critique, challenging Koffa’s narrative and emphasizing that Liberia’s budget process is transparent and subject to legislative oversight. Flomo asserted that Koffa’s claimed unawareness of budgetary reallocations was implausible given his extensive legislative experience. This public disavowal has significantly dented Koffa’s credibility, fostering an environment of distrust and weakening his authority among peers.
The Majority Bloc has also expressed concerns over Koffa’s attempts to impede the GAC audit, accusing him of trying to evade scrutiny and accountability. Flomo, speaking on behalf of the bloc, called on Koffa to demonstrate his commitment to transparency by fully cooperating with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). The accusations of obstruction have amplified calls for accountability and added pressure on Koffa to justify his actions amid growing demands for integrity in public office.
Despite the mounting challenges, Koffa has sought to frame the anti-Koffa bloc as politically motivated detractors intent on ousting him without legitimate cause. In a recent televised interview, Koffa dismissed the allegations as baseless and designed to destabilize his leadership. He pointed to the legislative requirement of 49 votes—a supermajority—to remove him, insisting that his opponents could not meet this threshold. By positioning himself as a target of political machinations, Koffa has aimed to rally support and shift the narrative from his alleged shortcomings to a broader power struggle.
The ongoing confrontation and legal maneuvers reflect a deeper struggle for legitimacy and control within the House of Representatives. As legislative sessions continue to be consumed by this internal conflict, the paralysis has real-world consequences, stalling critical national discussions and policymaking. The focus on political wrangling comes at the expense of pressing national priorities, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, exacerbating Liberia’s socio-economic challenges.
Observers fear that the continued impasse risks undermining public trust in the legislative process and further destabilizing the government.
