Liberia’s Supreme Court has reaffirmed the legitimacy of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership, quashing efforts by a majority bloc of lawmakers seeking to challenge his authority. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, granted a Bill of Information filed by Koffa in response to attempts to sideline him through parallel legislative sessions and contested procedural votes.
In its decision, the Supreme Court declared that any actions by the dissident lawmakers to strip Koffa of his powers violated the Constitution and internal parliamentary procedures, particularly the House’s standing orders. The court stressed that only lawful votes conducted under proper parliamentary rules can determine changes in House leadership.
The legal challenge arose amid mounting tensions in the lower chamber of Liberia’s National Legislature, where over 40 lawmakers from a newly-formed majority bloc claimed to have ousted Koffa. They alleged he had failed to uphold transparency and inclusiveness in parliamentary affairs. Koffa, a Grand Kru County lawmaker, denied the claims, asserting the move was a power grab orchestrated outside constitutional bounds.
Despite the Court’s clear ruling, the majority bloc has rejected the verdict, accusing the judiciary of overreach and insisting that the matter is an internal legislative issue beyond judicial review. Their defiance has sparked concerns of a looming constitutional crisis, as rival factions prepare for critical votes on national budget allocations, electoral reform, and anti-corruption measures.
Analysts warn that the standoff reflects deepening political divisions in post-election Liberia and could impact the effectiveness of President Joseph Boakai’s administration. As Speaker, Koffa plays a pivotal role in guiding legislative debates and shaping the policy agenda. The Supreme Court’s intervention, while affirming constitutional order, leaves Liberia at a tense political crossroads, with questions swirling over governance stability, rule of law, and institutional independence in the months ahead.
