MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, faced another setback on Thursday, October 31, 2024, as his bloc was unable to secure the attendance needed for a quorum, leading to the adjournment of the session. Out of the House’s 73 members, only 28 lawmakers were present, falling short of the required 37 lawmakers necessary to proceed. Representative Rufie Barry of Montserrado County District #1 was the only member with an excused absence.
The lack of quorum highlights a growing divide within the House, as 44 lawmakers—including Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah—were notably absent. Several members of the Secretariat also refrained from attending, aligning themselves with the majority bloc currently holding sessions in the joint chambers.
Amid this ongoing legislative impasse, Representative Musa Bility proposed a permanent adjournment of the House of Representatives, citing persistent quorum issues as a hindrance to the chamber’s operations. He suggested that the House formally inform the Senate of the adjournment in line with Article 33 of the Liberian Constitution. This proposal underscored the mounting frustration among lawmakers regarding the legislative gridlock and the inability to conduct regular business.
Speaker Koffa, addressing the situation, announced a leadership meeting scheduled for Monday. During this meeting, he and other leaders within his bloc intend to discuss Representative Bility’s proposal along with other pressing matters affecting the House. Additionally, members from Koffa’s bloc are expected to join the Speaker’s legal team at the Supreme Court of Liberia, where they plan to address issues related to the ongoing political standoff in the Legislature.
The joint session held in the chambers included the attendance of 44 lawmakers, among them Deputy Speaker Fallah and key members of the Secretariat. The Chief Clerk, however, was absent due to illness, further complicating the House’s ability to move forward with business.
In remarks during the session, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah highlighted the importance of observing due process amidst the recent legislative turbulence. “While there are issues to address, it is imperative that we maintain our commitment to due process and uphold the integrity of this institution,” Fallah stated, hinting at the need for a measured approach to resolve the current legislative deadlock.
With both blocs adjourning after Thursday’s attempt to hold a session, plans have been made to reconvene on Tuesday, November 5, for further discussions. Each faction anticipates crucial decisions in the coming days, as the House grapples with the implications of its divided stance and the challenges this poses to effective governance.
As the leadership meeting on Monday approaches, Speaker Koffa’s bloc faces mounting pressure to secure attendance in order to move forward on pending legislative matters. Meanwhile, the bloc led by Deputy Speaker Fallah has indicated that it intends to pursue “an enduring solution” to what many lawmakers are now calling an unprecedented crisis in Liberia’s Legislature. Both sides remain committed to resolving the impasse, but the path forward is uncertain amid these deep divisions.
