MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Following Bong County Representative Foday Fahnbulleh’s sharp criticism of Supreme Court Associate Justice Yormie Gbeisay. Addressing his colleagues on Thursday, February 13, 2025, during a legislative session, Fahnbulleh dismissed Gbeisay’s explanation for the Supreme Court’s absence from President Joseph Boakai’s State of the Nation Address, describing it as a “liquor statement.” His remarks sparked immediate backlash, with many condemning them as inappropriate and disrespectful.
Civil society advocate Anderson D. Miamen was among those who rebuked the lawmaker, arguing that legislative immunity does not grant lawmakers the right to engage in reckless speech. He stressed that addressing a Supreme Court justice in such a manner was unacceptable and suggested that Fahnbulleh would not appreciate being spoken to in the same way by his constituents. Miamen also criticized lawmakers who remain silent on major national issues but speak out only when their personal interests are at stake.
Justice Gbeisay had earlier defended the Supreme Court’s decision to boycott the President’s address, citing the ongoing leadership crisis in the House of Representatives. He explained that the court refused to attend the event to avoid legitimizing what it considers an unlawful proceeding. According to Gbeisay, neither the majority bloc nor the minority bloc of the House had met the legal threshold to conduct official legislative business. He maintained that the absence of a recognized Speaker made any House decisions invalid under the law.
The dispute over House leadership has remained unresolved since January 2024, when Grand Kru County Representative Fonati Koffa was elected Speaker in a contested vote against Unity Party lawmaker Richard Koon. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter did not explicitly confirm a legitimate leader, leaving both factions in a protracted power struggle.
Fahnbulleh’s remarks have only deepened the divisions within the Legislature. While some lawmakers chose to remain silent on the issue, others expressed concern over the tone of the debate. Meanwhile, Speaker Koffa, who recently returned to Liberia, has reiterated his refusal to recognize Koon’s leadership and has vowed to pursue further legal action.
With no clear resolution in sight, the House remains deeply divided, and the Supreme Court’s efforts to remain neutral have done little to defuse tensions. As political uncertainty lingers, the ability of the Legislature to function effectively remains in question.
