The woe of Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, is deepening by the day as the Supreme Court of Liberia has declined to issue a writ of prohibition prayed for by him (Koffa).
In a communication addressed to the “Majority Bloc,” – the group seeking to remove Speaker Koffa, the Court disclosed that it has declined to issue the writ of prohibition prayed for by the Speaker, meaning the Bloc can now carry out its normal legislative duties.
The court made this decision following a directive issued by Yamie QuiquiGbeisay, Sr., Associate Justice presiding in Chambers.
“By directive of His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby informed that the Justice has decline 1 to issue the writ prayed for,” read the Court’s directive.
The directive comes on the heel of Supreme Court Justice In-Chamber’s intervention in the political crisis surrounding Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, particularly regarding the attempts by a faction of lawmakers to remove him from office.
The recent intervention aims to restore order within the legislature, which has been paralyzed due to boycotts and conflicts between pro-Koffa and anti-Koffa factions. This situation has raised concerns about governance and stability in Liberia, highlighting the importance of adhering to constitutional processes.
At the same time, the Supreme Court also lifted the stay order of October 25, 2024 issued by Justice Gbeisay.
“Meanwhile, the stay order of October 25, 2024 is hereby lifted.”
It can be recalled that during the conference on Monday, November 4, 2024, Cllr. Syrennius Cephas and former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh, who represented Speaker Koffa, contended their clients were not given due process of law under the Liberian Constitution.
They further align due process with Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, which outlines that a Speaker can only be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the House following proper procedures. Additionally, these lawmakers have not secured this majority, making their efforts to oust Koffa legally questionable.
At the same time, Cllr. H. Varney Sherman, representing the anti-Koffa block, conceded that formal proceedings for Koffa’s removal had not been initiated. This admission made at the hearing seems to underline their proceeding to unseat Koffa.
Justice Gbeisay ordered the anti-Koffa block which is known as “Majority Bloc” to return to the main chamber while Koffa retains his position as Speaker. The Justice instruction is crucial in navigating this political impasse, ensuring that actions taken against Speaker Koffa should be conducted lawfully and transparently.