MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The political crisis in the House of Representatives has taken a new turn as Rep. Taa Wongbe of Nimba County District #9 on Thursday, March 6, 2025, issued a forceful defense of embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the “majority bloc” seeking to replace him. Wongbe’s comments, following the Supreme Court’s reference to Koffa as the “Purported Speaker,” reveal the growing tension between the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary.
Wongbe dismissed the term “Purported Speaker” used by the Court, arguing that it was a legal distinction with profound implications for the ongoing political impasse in the House. He contended that the Supreme Court’s previous ruling, which found that all actions regarding Koffa’s removal were ultra vires (outside legal bounds), has been ignored by the executive branch, exacerbating the political deadlock. The statement sheds light on the widening rift between the branches of government, with Wongbe suggesting that the executive’s interpretation of the Court’s ruling has allowed the stalemate to persist.
The Nimba lawmaker was particularly critical of the self-proclaimed “majority bloc,” accusing them of using media and public endorsements in a bid to strengthen their claim to the Speaker’s seat. Despite their efforts, Wongbe pointed out that key international actors, ranging from foreign governments to organizations such as ECOWAS and the United Nations, have yet to recognize the “majority bloc” or its “Purported Speaker.” This hesitation, Wongbe argues, stems from concerns that any decisions made under this contested leadership may not stand up to future legal scrutiny.
While the focus has largely been on the legal legitimacy of the Speaker’s position, Wongbe also expressed concern over the broader political consequences of the ongoing crisis. He suggested that the dispute over Koffa’s removal, if not resolved through a proper legal process, risks undermining the nation’s democratic institutions and tarnishing its international standing. The Nimba representative warned that failure to adhere to the rule of law would only lead to greater instability, fueling an environment of chaos that benefits those who thrive in division.
Wongbe emphasized that the removal of Speaker Koffa must be carried out within the bounds of the law and rejected any notion of political maneuvering. He reaffirmed Koffa’s position as the legitimate Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives, asserting that Koffa’s moral and constitutional obligation to remain in office is grounded in the principle of lawful governance. Koffa has maintained that any change in leadership must follow a lawful process, leaving the door open for resignation if such a process is adhered to.
Rep. Wongbe’s statement comes as the Supreme Court has ordered key members of the House to appear before its full bench on March 14, 2025, in response to a Bill of Information filed by Speaker Koffa and other members of the 55th Legislature. As the country watches closely, the path to resolving the political deadlock remains uncertain, with growing concerns about the impact of the crisis on Liberia’s democratic integrity.
