Africa-Press – Liberia. — Justice in Chambers clarifies stay Order; As embattled Speaker doubles down on constitutional backing
The Supreme Court has done little to help alleviate the mounting pressure on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, despite a conference convened by the court, through its Justice in Chambers, on October 4, between the aggrieved Majority Bloc and their embattled leader.
While many had thought that the stay order directive issued by the Supreme Court Justice in Chambers, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, a little over a week ago was meant to stop the aggrieved lawmakers from holding separate sessions, the court noted that that was not its directive.
Justice Gbeisay clarified at Monday’s conference hearing that he did not place a stay order on the functioning of the Majority Members of the House of Representatives.
This clarification comes as tensions rise over the Majority Bloc’s plans to hold sessions in the joint chambers and begin proceedings to remove House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Justice Gbeisay addressed both parties involved in the legislative dispute, saying that his stay order was specific to the removal of the Speaker and not to prevent session by the majority members — adding that the majority bloc should give the Speaker due process.
However, the majority members of the House insist on moving forward with Speaker Koffa’s removal, a process they say will follow due process beginning Tuesday.
Representative Foday Fahnbulleh, one of the vocal leaders of the group, told reporters on the grounds of the Temple of Justice after the conference that a regular session is scheduled for Tuesday, where the Majority members will discuss a formal complaint and officially begin proceedings for the Speaker’s removal.
Fahnbulleh reiterated that Justice Gbeisay did not place a writ of prohibition on their sessions in the joint chambers, nor did he require them to sit under Speaker Koffa’s leadership.
Tuesday’s legislative session is anticipated to set the stage for a formal removal process, as the Majority members move forward in line with procedural requirements for the speaker’s removal.
“We will initiate the due process for the removal of the Speaker in the joint chamber of the Legislature this Tuesday,” Fahnbulleh said. “We will ensure that Hon. Koffa is removed as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. We are committed to that and we will make that happen.”
Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, aligning with the majority bloc, has raised expectations that the group may move forward with the process of removing Speaker Koffa. According to Fahnbulleh, Fallah’s decision to join the majority bloc has reenergized the group.
“The Deputy Speaker’s decision to join us indicates that we are on the right path. His support signifies a validation of our cause, and we are appreciative of his participation,” stated the Bong County Lawmaker. “Ultimately, the Liberian people will benefit from our collective efforts in this endeavor. While not everyone may fully comprehend the situation currently, we believe that clarity will come in time, leading to a greater understanding and acknowledgment of our actions.”
Facing mounting pressure from his colleagues, Speaker Koffa has affirmed his stance to retain his position, declaring that he will only step down if the requisite two-thirds majority is obtained for his removal.
According to the Speaker, if the majority bloc obtains the 49 votes required to remove him, he will step aside, but until then, he remains the Speaker.
“I, J. Fonati Koffa, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God. This is the oath we took on January 15, 2024, and this is the oath for which we live our political career for, and if need be, we are prepared for political death,” Koffa posted to his Facebook handle on Sunday.
Koffa emphasized that he remains committed to upholding the Liberian Constitution and fulfilling his responsibilities as Speaker.
In response to accusations of budget manipulation, spreading false information, and impeding an audit by the General Auditing Commission, the “majority bloc” has intensified calls for Koffa’s resignation.
The internal strife within the House has escalated as Koffa’s ability to maintain control has weakened, evident in his failure, on two occasions, to achieve a quorum during sessions due to a lack of required attendance.
Last Thursday, Koffa’s bloc failed to secure the required attendance needed for a quorum, which led to the adjournment of the session. Out of the House’s 73 members, only 28 lawmakers were present, falling short of the required 37 lawmakers necessary to proceed.
Signaling his determination to uphold his duties, Speaker Koffa underscored the oath taken to serve Liberia, expressing readiness to face any political challenges that may arise.
The ongoing power struggle within the House reflects the complex dynamics at play, as tensions persist amid the push for leadership change.
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