MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberia House of Representatives Majority Bloc, led by Rep. Samuel Kogar of Nimba District #5, has boldly challenged the Supreme Court’s recent directive. Rep. Kogar asserted, “Liberians can be assured that the Judiciary will not stop the House from working. The court cannot tell the House what to do as it relates to its leadership. The majority has decided to embark on the removal of Fonati Koffa, and we will go ahead and do the Liberian people’s business on Tuesday.”
Rep. Kogar’s remarks came in stark opposition to a directive from Justice in Chambers Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, who summoned members of the Majority Bloc to a pivotal conference on November 4, 2024. This judicial intervention follows a petition by the embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, who has been accused of corruption and ineffective leadership. The Supreme Court’s communication, dated October 25, 2024, ordered all actions regarding the leadership dispute to be suspended pending the conference outcome.
Anti-Koffa lawmakers have vowed to hold a session on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, despite the writ of prohibition, accusing the Supreme Court of interference in legislative affairs. This defiance raises the specter of a looming constitutional crisis, as the judiciary and legislature clash over their respective powers and authorities.
The House has been embroiled in turmoil, with Speaker Koffa’s authority severely challenged. On October 24, 2024, Koffa attempted to solidify his position by filing a writ of prohibition with the Supreme Court to prevent the Anti-Koffa bloc from conducting separate sessions, which he deemed illegal. However, under substantial pressure and after Senate mediation, Koffa withdrew his writ, signaling a significant retreat.
The political climate within the House has deteriorated further as Koffa failed to secure the majority needed to retain his speakership. In the latest session, he managed only 30 out of the required 37 votes, marking his second consecutive failure and illustrating his diminishing support. This shortfall not only undermines his leadership but also highlights the deepening divisions within the legislative body.
In contrast, the Anti-Koffa faction has proclaimed a simple majority and held their sessions independently at Capitol Hill, further isolating Koffa. Their ability to convene without the Speaker underscores the widening rift and raises concerns about potential legislative paralysis and the neglect of crucial national issues amid the power struggle.
Leading the charge against Koffa, Representative Kogar and the Majority Bloc have accused him of spreading misinformation, manipulating the budget, and obstructing an audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). Representative Nyahn G. Flomo of Nimba County refuted Koffa’s claims, highlighting the transparency of Liberia’s budget process and the necessity for legislative approval for any fund movements. Flomo’s public rebuttal not only tarnishes Koffa’s credibility but also breeds distrust among legislators.
Flomo also criticized Koffa’s failure to review quarterly budget performance reports, arguing that his ignorance of financial movements is implausible given his extensive legislative experience. This critique further erodes Koffa’s standing among his peers, complicating his ability to lead effectively.
Additionally, the Majority Bloc has raised alarms over Koffa’s efforts to stall the GAC audit, accusing him of attempting to evade scrutiny. Flomo challenged Koffa to allow the audit to proceed, insisting that genuine commitment to transparency requires full cooperation with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
As the House braces for further confrontation, the Supreme Court’s upcoming conference on November 4, 2024, will be a critical juncture in determining the leadership crisis’s resolution. The tension between the legislative and judicial branches highlights the fragile state of Liberia’s democratic institutions and the urgent need for a resolution to avoid a constitutional crisis.
