Monrovia, Liberia – The Supreme Court today faces a historic showdown over constitutional legitimacy as embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa challenges the renegade Majority Bloc’s defiance of its December 2024 ruling, which declared their actions ‘ultra vires’.
The hearing comes amid allegations of judicial bribery and President Joseph Boakai’s tacit support for the faction led by self-proclaimed Speaker Richard Koon.
The Crisis Unfolds
Koffa’s Bill of Information accuses Koon’s bloc of violating Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution by convening unauthorized sessions and budget hearings despite the Court’s explicit order to adhere to constitutional quorum rules. Legal experts argue the Court cannot reverse its earlier judgment without destabilizing Liberia’s fragile democracy.
Stakes and Skepticism
Regional mediator ECOWAS’ failed negotiations and reports of wealthy Majority Bloc allies attempting to bribe judges have deepened public distrust. Grand Kru citizens rallied for Koffa, condemning “corruption fueling the crisis”, while critics warn a ruling favoring Koon could trigger political chaos.
Judicial Integrity Under Fire
The Court’s December ruling unequivocally stated only the Speaker or Deputy Speaker can preside over House proceedings. Legal analysts say reversing this would undermine Liberia’s rule-of-law progress, though the Majority Bloc’s refusal to comply has left the judiciary as the last bulwark against constitutional collapse.
As Liberia holds its breath, the Court’s verdict will either reaffirm constitutional order or plunge the nation into deeper turmoil. The world watches as the Temple of Justice weighs the fate of a nation.
