Monrovia -The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a stay order on proceedings by the “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives aiming to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. This decision follows a petition filed by Speaker Koffa’s leadership, challenging the attempts by the Majority Bloc to remove him from his position as presiding officer of the 54th Legislature.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
The stay order halts any actions by the “Majority Bloc” until a conference scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024.
Speaker Koffa approached the Supreme Court after two unsuccessful attempts by his leadership to reach a quorum in the House, preventing official legislative business. Koffa reportedly has the support of 30 members, while the Majority Bloc—comprising 43 lawmakers—seeks to remove him through a vote of no confidence, citing various grievances.
Speaker Koffa has challenged the “Majority Bloc” to secure the support of 49 lawmakers, as required by the House’s standing rules to unseat him. He has stated he will step down if they reach this threshold, but he will not resign without the necessary support.
The “Majority Bloc” has held two sessions in the joint chambers of the Upper and Lower Houses, which Koffa has dismissed as unconstitutional and illegitimate. He has invited opposing lawmakers to attend official sessions to discuss any disagreements and explore potential solutions. However, his attempts to convene the House have been unsuccessful due to lack of quorum.
The “Majority Bloc” has also pressured Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, and Deputy Chief Clerk to join their efforts, warning that their positions may be at risk if they fail to comply. Additionally, the bloc has threatened to withhold the salaries of lawmakers who refuse to align with them.
In response to the escalating tensions, Speaker Koffa has sought intervention from the Supreme Court to assess the constitutionality of the Majority Bloc’s actions and halt their proceedings.
