MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice has directed House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to appear before it on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This summons comes in response to a petition filed by lawyers representing embattled former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, challenging the legitimacy of Koon’s election and calling for its annulment.
The legal action stems from a 22-count petition for declaratory judgment in which Koffa’s lawyers argue that Koon’s rise to the Speaker’s chair violated established rules and constitutional provisions. They contend that Koon’s election was unlawful, describing it as “ultra vires,” and urge the court to nullify it on grounds of procedural irregularities.
At the heart of the dispute is a group within the House of Representatives, self-styled as the “Majority Block,” which Koffa’s legal team accuses of orchestrating parallel sessions and creating legislative chaos. The petition calls for the court to rule on the legitimacy of such sessions and clarify whether they align with the Constitution and the Standing Rules of the House.
Koffa’s lawyers have also requested an injunction to bar Speaker Koon from using the privileges associated with the office, such as official license plates, sirens, and police escorts. This request highlights concerns over the optics and authority that Koon currently wields amidst the controversy surrounding his position.
The case hinges on specific legal provisions, including Section 9.1 of the House’s Standing Rules and Chapter V, Article 31 of the Liberian Constitution. These rules stipulate the procedures for removing officials and require lawmakers to swear a constitutional oath before exercising their duties. Koffa’s team alleges that these protocols were disregarded in Koon’s election, rendering the process fundamentally flawed.
Additionally, the petition seeks an alternative writ to halt alleged violations of Article 49 of the Constitution and other standing rules, arguing that these infractions have disrupted the House’s legislative operations. The lawyers contend that these actions have undermined the integrity of the legislative body and require immediate judicial intervention to restore order.
This latest development comes as a bail of information, previously filed by Koffa’s lawyers with the Supreme Court on December 12, 2024, remains unresolved. The pending matter at the Supreme Court adds another layer of complexity to the leadership dispute, with no hearing date yet assigned.
