Supreme Court to End House Leadership Dispute Today

The Supreme Court of Liberia is set to deliver a ruling today that could finally resolve the protracted leadership dispute within the House of Representatives of the 55th National Legislature.

In an official notice dated April 16, the Supreme Court has commanded both rival factions to appear before the Full Bench at 12:00 noon today. The ruling follows extensive arguments presented by lawyers representing the competing leadership groups in this constitutional dispute.

Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh and Associate Justices Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., Yussif D. Kaba, Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, and Cllr. Cianeh D. Clinton-Johnson will deliver the verdict that is expected to definitively establish the legitimate leadership of the House.

The legal battle centers on actions taken by a faction led by Representative Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, who have declared themselves the legitimate leaders of the House, challenging Speaker J. Fonati Koffa's authority. Koffa responded by filing a Bill of Information against Koon, Fallah, and the Ministry of Justice.

During the argument on March 26, Speaker Koffa contended that the self-declared "Majority Bloc" violated constitutional protocols and legislative procedures by: Conducting parallel sessions without proper authority ,expelling lawmakers , undermining the functioning of the House and ignoring a previous Supreme Court ruling from December 6, 2024

The justices raised several critical questions about the constitutional validity of the Majority Bloc's actions:

Chief Justice Yuoh questioned whether lawmakers could legally hold a session elsewhere while the elected Speaker was present and summoning them for an official session.

Justice Kaba emphasized the importance of due process, noting that while parliamentary systems may allow removal of a Speaker by a simple vote of no confidence, Liberia's Constitution requires a two-thirds majority and a clear legal process.

Justice Wolokolie pointed out that the Court's previous ruling was intended for members of the House to "do the right thing" according to law, not to make decisions based on the Attorney General's opinion. She stressed that any attempt to remove the Speaker must strictly follow constitutional procedures, requiring a legitimate sitting of the House and support from at least 49 votes.

The dispute traces back to December 6, 2024, when the Supreme Court issued a ruling that was interpreted differently by both factions. The ruling emphasized that legislative sessions must adhere strictly to constitutional requirements, including the presence of a presiding officer—the Speaker for a quorum or the Deputy Speaker with acknowledgment from the Speaker—during all proceedings.

Despite this directive, Koon's faction continued to hold sessions, including budget hearings, which Koffa argued were illegal and in defiance of the Court's order.

Today's Supreme Court decision will not only determine the fate of the competing leadership claims but expected to provide clarity on constitutional procedures for legislative functioning and leadership transitions in Liberia's democracy.