By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Unity Party Alliance says the Bill of Information filed by Representative Koffa was based on extrajudicial statements—not a formal, enforceable decision—and should not have been entertained by the Court.
At a news conference on Sunday April 27, 2025, the governing party said the final decision of the bill of information still didn’t mandate an enforceable action, which means the political question still remains to be determined by members of the House of Representatives.
“How then does the Chief Justice expect the government to enforce such an opinion when the very Court in its first ruling on this matter, emphasized that the Supreme Court cannot do what the legislature refused to do for itself?” the UP asked.
Recently, President Boakai vowed to work with the side that has a quorum at the House of Representatives for the smooth running of his government after the Supreme Court recognized Cllr. Fonati Koffa as the legitimate speaker of the House of Representatives. Many in the opposition have deemed the President position as a total disrespect to the rule of law.
In apparent agreement with the President’s decision, the UP Alliance said the Court’s decision has blurred the lines between judicial intervention and legislative independence, contrary to Part IV of the Court’s own procedural rules.
“Additionally, it is important to highlight that during the national budget hearings, the Supreme court endorsed the participation of the Judiciary’s financial team to advocate for a budgetary increase, under the leadership of a Speaker whom it and its allies now deem illegitimate.” The UP Alliance said in a statement.
“Following the passage of the national budget, the Chief Justice authorized an increase in her salary, restoring it to pre-harmonization levels, and approved retroactive payments of US$60,000 for the Chief Justice and US$40,000 for each member of the Supreme Court bench. Furthermore, under the current fiscal year’s budget, the Judiciary has procured a fleet of vehicles to enhance its operational capacity.”
The UP said what is more troubling is that the ruling risks invalidating critical legislative actions, including the 2025 National Budget, civil servant salary increases, increment in salaries for health workers, including doctors, nurses, and medical consultants, health and life insurance for police officers, World Bank loan agreements and other international financial agreements critical to national development that the Legislature ratified and passed important legislation for the smooth operations of the government.
According to the UP Alliance such retroactive invalidations would destabilize the state’s functioning, contrary to the Constitution’s commitment to a functional Legislature and Executive.
“The UP-Alliance reaffirms that President Boakai, under Article 33 of the Constitution, must ensure that governance continues uninterrupted with a majority quorum in the House of Representatives. The Executive cannot enforce any ruling that undermines constitutional governance or plunges the state into paralysis, as a cardinal function of the executive is to ensure the peace, security, and stability of the state and its people.”
Standing Firmly with President Boakai’s Leadership
The governing UP-Alliance has reaffirmed its support to the Boakai administrating – saying it stands unwavering in its support for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., and commends his steadfast commitment to constitutional governance, separation of powers, and the rule of law.
“President Boakai’s administration has consistently demonstrated leadership grounded in dialogue, inclusiveness, and a vision for sustainable national development. His commitment to respecting constitutional provisions, especially Article 33, which mandates that a simple majority constitutes a quorum for legislative business, is critical to ensuring that government remains functional for the Liberian people.”
The UP Alliance then urged all Liberians, political actors, and institutions to rally behind President Boakai’s leadership to secure Liberia’s continued peace and development.
Condemning Opposition’s Threats
Last week, several opposition parties including the Congress for Democratic Change, National Patriotic Party, Alternative National Congress among others threatened mass citizen action against what they described as the government’s disregard for the Supreme Court ruling.
But the UP-Alliance said it categorically condemns the threats and destabilizing rhetoric emanating from few elements of the Opposition. “We strongly reject politically motivated intimidation and divisive tactics aimed at undermining our hard-earned peace and democratic progress.”
“On Friday, we witnessed the unfortunate gathering of opposition figures, who irresponsibly threatened chaos and the ungovernability of the state should the President fail to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling. Such inflammatory rhetoric represents a dangerous assault on Liberia’s stability and constitutional order.” The UP Alliance warned.
The ruling party told a gathering of supporters at the UP Broad Street Headquarters that it denounced these actions as morally bankrupt attempts to prioritize political ambition over national interest. “The threats to “shut down” Liberia through violence and unrest are unacceptable and will be met with firm resistance by all peace-loving Liberians.” It said.
Commitment to Peace, Democracy, and Rule of Law
The UP-Alliance is urging all Liberians to remain vigilant against “efforts to sow chaos and division.” It then called for calm, national unity, and constructive dialogue to resolve our political differences peacefully.
“We categorically reject any attempts to intimidate the government or derail Liberia’s development. Liberia’s future belongs to all Liberians, not to a few disgruntled politicians seeking to reverse our democratic gains.”
The Unity Party noted that until the Legislature fully resolves its internal disputes, the UP-Alliance will continue to recognize and do business with the duly constituted majority/quorum that ensures the smooth functioning of government.
