Front Lead Gov’t Bows To S/C Ruling By Godgift Harris

Having accepted Supreme Court April 23 ruling on the House’s longstanding speakership dispute, the President says Richard Koon remains the speaker. In his late-night nationwide address, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai says the House crisis remains “unresolved.” Earlier, the government has called for legislative unity to protect national interest, and has therefore, urged members of the legislature to forge for unity amongst themselves. Information Minister, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah underscored the urgent need for lawmakers to put aside political differences and work collectively in the interest of national development.  Piah spoke on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the ministry’s weekly press conference in Monrovia. He expressed concern over the ongoing rift in the legislature.  Although the three branches of government function independently, Piah wants the lawmakers to share a collective responsibility to serve the Liberian people. “The government is seriously concerned about the current disagreement at the legislature,” said Mr. Piah. He meanwhile called on members of the House of Representatives to adhere to the April 23 Supreme Court ruling on the leadership crisis at the legislature. The Court’s ruling legitimized embattle speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s speakership against the majority speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon. “We want members of the legislature to use the Supreme Court Wednesday, April 23, 2025, ruling as a platform to restore order and responsible governance.”  “Though the three branches of government operate independently, they are all accountable to the people of Liberia; we believe collaboration and unity are key to moving the country forward.”

Mr. Piah urged lawmakers to put national interest above personal and political ambitions by aligning with the ARREST Agenda; an initiative that focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation and Tourism.

“We want lawmakers to put aside their differences and put Liberia first,” he said. “The rule of law remains a cornerstone of this government’s priorities; we therefore call for all hands-on deck in ensuring peace, progress and prosperity for our people.”

 Mr. Piah also reaffirmed the Boakai administration’s commitment to good governance and inclusive national development.

He called on the lawmakers not to break the law, but to heed the recent Supreme Court ruling on the leadership crisis at the legislature by sing it as a platform to restore order and responsible governance.

“This internal dispute has the potential to undermine the progress we are making in national development and governance,” Mr. Piah warned, expressing concern over the impact of the prolonged impasse on the country’s democratic institutions and development goals.

He acknowledged ongoing efforts by the government to facilitate dialogue, including engagement with the traditional council and other stakeholders to foster consensus and political resolution.

Mr. Piah encouraged legislators to recommit to their constitutional duties and praised those who have already returned to their roles.

He also urged traditional leaders and religious institutions to intervene and help mediate the crisis.

“The road to national recovery requires all hands-on deck,” he said. “Their constitutional oath demands service above self.”

The government, he added, remains committed to ensuring that all sectors operate under the rule of law and in line with the Constitution.  See the full Statement on page 8

Statement by  His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.

President of the Republic of Liberia

On the Supreme Court Ruling Regarding the Legislative Impasse

April 24, 2025

My Fellow Liberians,

Yesterday (April 23, 2025), the Supreme Court of Liberia, our nation’s highest arbiter of justice, delivered its ruling on the Bill of Information relating to the ongoing impasse in the House of Representatives.

As President of the Republic, I acknowledge the ruling of the Supreme Court.

However, we must all note that the House of Representatives’ problem remains unresolved.

Accordingly, my government has already initiated broad consultations with relevant national stakeholders to determine the most appropriate and constitutionally sound path forward. We have actively involved our traditional and other national leaders in addressing this matter.

In doing so, we remain fully committed to preserving the sanctity of our democracy and the principle of three separate but coordinate branches of government.

Fellow Liberians, our Constitution and the Supreme Court have defined what constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business in the Legislature. We intend to vigorously uphold this vital principle of our constitutional democracy. We will continue to work with the quorum that will ensure the full functioning of our government.

Over the past months, we have watched with growing concern as the division in the House of Representatives remained unresolved, undermining public confidence in one of our most vital democratic institutions. Tragically, we have also witnessed the torching of the Capitol Building, a national symbol of our democracy, by arsonists intent on sowing chaos and discord. Today, we received a report of acts of vandalism intended to desecrate the dignity of our public institutions and buildings. The Police are investigating.

Let me be clear: under my leadership, the government of Liberia will not be held hostage by narrow interests or acts of lawlessness. The work of governance will continue, and nothing will distract us from our duty to serve the Liberian people.

We are a country governed by laws, not by mobs or self-serving ambition. Those who undermine peace, violate the law, or seek to disrupt national harmony will face the full force of the law and justice.

To all Liberians, I urge you to go about your daily lives peacefully and confidently. Your government remains functional and steadfast in its responsibility to deliver services, maintain order, and uphold the values of democracy and good governance.

I call on every elected leader to remember their oath, not to themselves, but to the Liberian nation-state and people. I call on every citizen to rise above division and to demonstrate the enduring values of patriotism, unity, and national purpose.

As we seek a political resolution to the impasse, let us do so with calm heads and committed hearts, ever mindful that Liberia is bigger than any one person, party, or position.

We will protect our democracy. We will preserve our peace. And together, we will move Liberia forward.

May God bless us all, and may God bless the Republic of Liberia.