By: Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia- The Supreme Court of Liberia has a December 10, 2024 Bill of Information filed by House Speaker Fonati Koffa and reinforced his legitimacy as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Reading the high court’s opinion, Chief Justice Sie-A-Neh Youh instructed the Clerk of Court to formally notify the Majority of Lawmakers led by Representative Richard Koon who claimed to have removed the speaker comply with the Court’s decision.
The ruling orders the lawmakers to acknowledge Koffa’s position as Speaker and to abide by the legal processes outlined in the procedures law for compelling absentee lawmakers to attend sessions.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed its previous decision made on December 6, 2024, in the matter titled “Unconstitutionality of Action of Certain Lawmakers.”
The majority justices maintained that while the Legislature is largely self-governing, the Supreme Court holds constitutional authority to intervene in cases of constitutional violations, including disputes and internal conflicts among lawmakers. “Pursuant to Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution, the authority of the Speaker remains intact, and as such, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffacontinues to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives,” Chief Justice Youh stated.
The ruling might bring to bed the long standing political divide that has rocked the House since late last year – when majority lawmakers challenged Koffa’s leadership and claimed to have removed him from office.
