MONROVIA – In a defiant stance, Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon has categorically rejected the April 23, 2025 opinion and judgment of the Supreme Court of Liberia, which asserts that Hon. J. Fonati Koffa remains the legitimate Speaker of the House. The Supreme Court’s ruling comes months after Koffa was ousted by a resolution signed by 50 members of the 73-seat House of Representatives, citing corruption, conflict of interest, and mismanagement.
In an official statement issued on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, under the authority of his office, Speaker Koon denounced the Court’s decision as “atrocious” and “audacious,” accusing the high court of a blatant violation of the doctrine of separation of powers. He insisted that the Legislature acted within its constitutional bounds, referencing Article 49 of the Constitution and Rule 9(a) of the House’s own standing rules, which provide for the removal of elected officers by a two-thirds majority.
Koon emphasized that the vote to remove Koffa was not only lawful but also followed due process, citing the 2007 Supreme Court precedent in Snowe v. House of Representatives. He further noted that no motion for reconsideration was filed by any member who signed the resolution to remove Koffa, an omission that, according to Koon, makes the decision final and binding.
“Plenary shall continue to conduct the business of the House of Representatives without any deference or regard to the Supreme Court’s Opinion and Judgment,” Koon declared. He maintained that Koffa, having been duly removed, will not be permitted to preside over any session of the House, and reaffirmed his own election and induction as Speaker in line with Rule 10.1 of the House Rules.
While expressing dismay at what he sees as the Supreme Court’s attempt to “subvert, undermine and disrupt” the functioning of the Legislature, Koon assured the public that the House remains focused on its mandate and will proceed with all legislative functions, including the enforcement of the 2025 National Budget.
The statement concluded with a warning that the House is exploring all legal and political avenues to preserve its autonomy and protect the integrity of its leadership structure. Speaker Koon characterized the Supreme Court’s ruling as a dangerous overreach, one that contradicts its own established jurisprudence of non-interference in the internal affairs of the Legislature unless a clear constitutional violation exists.
