The Majority Members of Liberia’s House of Representatives have reaffirmed their stance on the leadership of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, insisting that he no longer holds the confidence of most lawmakers and cannot effectively lead the chamber.
In a strongly worded statement issued today, the Majority acknowledged the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the leadership dispute but signaled their intent to seek further legal clarity through a re-argument. They emphasized that the internal governance of the House falls squarely within the Legislature’s constitutional authority and should not be subject to judicial intervention.
The statement cited a “fundamental loss of trust” in Speaker Koffa’s leadership, arguing that this undermines the House’s ability to function efficiently. “It is our responsibility to ensure that the business of the Liberian people continues without disruption,” the lawmakers declared.
They assured the public that once the House reconvenes, legislative operations would proceed with a constitutionally mandated quorum, as outlined in Article 33 of Liberia’s Constitution. This, they said, would preserve the legitimacy and effectiveness of the House’s work.
The Majority Members stressed the importance of maintaining strict separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. They invoked the Political Question Doctrine, a legal principle that deems certain political matters, particularly those involving internal legislative governance, outside the jurisdiction of the courts.
“Decisions regarding the leadership and internal management of the House of Representatives fall exclusively within the constitutional authority of the Legislature,” the statement read. “No branch should extend its authority beyond its constitutional mandate.”
Despite the ongoing legislative dispute, the Majority praised the Executive Branch for its recent strides in national security, economic recovery, and international diplomacy. They pledged continued cooperation with President Joseph Boakai’s administration to advance Liberia’s development agenda.
With the Supreme Court re-argument pending, the political standoff remains unresolved. Observers are watching closely to see whether the judiciary will reaffirm legislative autonomy or if a compromise will emerge to break the deadlock.
For now, the Majority’s message is clear: the House must be allowed to govern itself, and its decisions on leadership must be respected as a matter of constitutional prerogative.
