ALJA Urges Respect for Supreme Court Ruling

The association has meanwhile called for upholding the rule of law and peaceful resolution to the House leadership crisis.

The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) strongly urges all members of the House of Representatives (HoR) to fully comply with the recent ruling handed down by the Supreme Court.

The ruling affirms Representative J. Fonati Koffa as the duly elected and legitimate Speaker of the House. Koffa is himself a lawyer by profession.

In a press release issued over the weekend, ALJA the national president, Joey Kennedy, acknowledged that while dissent and debate over judicial decisions are inherent to a thriving democracy, it is essential to underscore that rulings of the Supreme Court carry the weight of finality and legal authority.

“These decisions must be honored and enforced uniformly—not subjected to selective interpretation or political expediency. Full implementation is critical to preserving constitutional governance, public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law,” Mr. Kennedy added.

Kennedy expressed deep concern over the actions taken by a group of lawmakers classified as the “majority bloc,” led by Montserrado County Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, who have chosen to reject the Supreme Court’s verdict. ALJA considers this move not only defiant but also detrimental to the country’s democratic stability. The US based Liberian Media advocacy group noted that such vehement defiance of judicial authority sets a troubling precedent that may embolden future attempts to erode the legal foundations of the nation. In this context, ALJA calls on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to ensure the full enforcement of the Supreme Court’s decision.  ALJA said that as head of state and custodian of national unity, Pres. Boakai is uniquely positioned to promote adherence to the rule of law and to foster a political environment grounded in legal order and mutual respect. Furthermore, ALJA appeals to all lawmakers—irrespective of political affiliation—to set aside partisan interests and engage in constructive, constitutionally grounded dialogue.  ALJA believes a peaceful resolution to the current leadership crisis in the HoR is not only achievable but necessary for the preservation of the country’s hard-won democratic gains. The Association reiterates that Liberia’s global image and aspirations—especially its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council—hinge significantly on its internal governance record, and that respect for judicial decisions, institutional accountability and non-violent conflict resolution are critical indicators of a nation’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security.

ALJA reaffirms its belief that a firm commitment to the rule of law is not just a domestic imperative, but a prerequisite for the country’s continued integration and leadership within the international community.

ALJA is a conglomeration of current and retired Liberian journalists residing in the Americas. It is a 501c (3) non-profit organization. The Association was founded in 1998 with the objectives of advancing press freedom through media capacity building and the fostering of good governance in Liberia through media advocacy.