Purported House Speaker, Koon Summoned as Court Battles Intensify Over Leadership Legitimacy

The ongoing leadership struggle within Liberia’s House of Representatives has taken a dramatic turn as the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court has summoned the purported House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to appear before Judge George W. Smith on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This summons follows a 22-count petition for a writ of declaratory judgment filed by lawyers representing embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.

In their petition, Koffa’s legal team is requesting the court to declare Speaker Koon’s election null and void, citing it as an act “ultra vires” and lacking legislative legitimacy. They have also condemned the so-called “Majority Block” – a group of lawmakers allegedly holding parallel legislative sessions – as acting illegally.

The petition seeks to ensure that Koffa and his supporters retain their rights to participate fully in all legislative sessions and decision-making processes. Furthermore, they are urging the court to issue a stay order preventing Speaker Koon from exercising the privileges of the office, including the use of police escorts, sirens, and the Speaker’s license plates.

Citing Section 9.1 of the Standing Rules of the House, Koffa’s lawyers argue that the removal of any official must adhere strictly to established legal procedures. They claim that the actions of the Majority Block violate the Constitution and threaten the smooth functioning of legislative proceedings.

The embattled Speaker has also called for the court to halt what he describes as the “rape and abuse” of Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and other House rules. He is asking the court to invalidate the actions of absentee lawmakers, which he believes are designed to undermine the legislative process.

This legal challenge follows an earlier move by Koffa’s team, who filed a bail of information with the Supreme Court on December 12, 2024. However, the court has yet to assign the case for hearing.

As tensions rise within the House of Representatives, all eyes are on the judiciary to provide clarity and resolution to this leadership crisis. Whether the court will grant the requested relief remains to be seen, but the outcome could shape the future of Liberia’s legislative governance.