By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA – A Seasoned Human Right Lawyer and Assistant Professor of Law Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent statement by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai – warning that any failure to fully implement the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the House of Representatives leadership crisis risks plunging the country into a constitutional crisis.
Gongloe’s statement comes in response to President Boakai’s remarks suggesting his administration would continue to “work with the quorum that ensures full functioning of our government”—a position Gongloe says directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s binding ruling issued on April 23, 2025.
The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, ruled that:
“Any action or sitting of the majority bloc in which the elected speaker is not presiding despite being present and is not absent or incapacitated is unconstitutional. The action of the self-styled ‘majority bloc’ is in total disregard for the rule of law.”
Citing Articles 65 and 66 of the Liberian Constitution, Cllr. Gongloe emphasized that Supreme Court opinions are final, binding, and immune from review by any other branch of government.
“The Court has spoken,” Gongloe declared. “As such, all government officials, members of the House of Representatives, citizens of Liberia, diplomatic partners, and both local and international business entities must comply fully with the Court’s judgment.”
The Human Right lawyer noted that the Court’s ruling clearly recognizes embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa as the legitimate and constitutionally authorized presiding officer of the House of Representatives, noting that any opposition to this ruling is a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.
Drawing parallels to the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Gongloe recalled how then–Vice President Al Gore, despite disagreeing with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, accepted the outcome in the spirit of democratic maturity.
He challenged President Boakai to demonstrate the same level of statesmanship.
Cllr. Gongloe outlined five urgent actions President Boakai must take to affirm respect for the judiciary.
The former LNBA President wants president Boakai to instruct all his officials to cease questioning the legitimacy of the Court’s opinion; warn officials who undermine the Court’s authority of possible suspension or dismissal; Urge lawmakers to abide by the ruling without exception, ensure all official communications with the Legislature are addressed to Speaker Koffa and withdraw all state support from Hon. Koon and reinstate such support to Speaker Koffa.
He warned that failure to act in accordance with the Supreme Court’s opinion would not only violate the Constitution, but also damage Liberia’s international standing, including its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and could scare away much-needed foreign investment.
“Let there be no ambiguity: Liberia’s peace, democratic stability, and global credibility depend on unwavering respect for the rule of law. Please listen, while there is still time, Mr. President,” Gongloe stressed.
As political tensions rise, Gongloe’s message stands as a clarion call for constitutional order, judicial independence, and national unity.
