MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Montserrado County Representative Rufus Neufville has raised concerns about possible military involvement during President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), set for January 19, 2025. In a statement titled “The Military May Take Control at President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s State of the Nation Address”, Neufville highlighted a constitutional and leadership crisis brewing within the House of Representatives.
Neufville pointed to Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution, which requires the President to outline the administration’s legislative agenda and provide an annual report on the nation’s economic condition. Traditionally, the Speaker of the House presides over the event, handling protocols and motions. However, Neufville warned that the ongoing leadership conflict between Representatives J. Fonati Koffa and Richard Koon could disrupt this tradition, creating a volatile situation.
According to Neufville, Representative Koffa may lean on a recent Supreme Court opinion to validate his claim as Speaker, while Representative Koon could rely on support from a majority of lawmakers, the Deputy Speaker, the Senate, and the Executive Branch to assert his authority. Neufville cautioned that this power struggle could spiral into chaos, prompting military intervention to restore order.
“The military has the authority to remove officials from the hall for disruptive behavior,” Neufville stated, emphasizing the influential role of Brigadier General Martin Johnson, the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives. Neufville questioned the appointment of a Brigadier General to this position instead of a police officer, suggesting that the military’s presence might indicate readiness to intervene in times of legislative unrest.
“A Brigadier General commands respect and can enforce discipline if confusion arises,” Neufville explained, adding that the Sergeant at Arms’ role expands during high-tension moments like the SONA. Typically, the Speaker directs the Sergeant at Arms’ actions, but in situations of crisis, the official may take orders directly from President Joseph Boakai as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Neufville also detailed the Sergeant at Arms’ authority to remove disruptive lawmakers or detain officials held in contempt of the Legislature. He argued that this role positions the military as a crucial player in maintaining order during potential legislative upheavals.
Referencing Liberia’s history of political unrest, Neufville highlighted the importance of preventing disruptions during an event of such national and international significance. With diplomats and international partners expected to attend the SONA, he urged stakeholders to resolve the leadership dispute ahead of time to avoid potential embarrassment and chaos.
