The Supreme Court of Liberia issued a “Stay Order” on the proceedings of lawmakers under the guise of the “Majority Bloc.”
About 43 lawmakers want Speaker J. Fonati Koffa removed from office for corruption, violation of house rules, and other reasons.
Speaker Koffa, who however sought the court’s assistance in the petition filed, denies any wrongdoing and contradicts the majority’s attempt to remove him from his position as Speaker and head of the 55th House of Representatives.
The Supreme Court’s “Stay Order” halted all actions by the “Majority Bloc” until the scheduled meeting on Monday, November 4, 2024.
The controversial Speaker of Liberia’s House of Representatives, whose credibility has dwindled, has appealed to the Supreme Court after his leadership twice failed to achieve a quorum for the House. While Koffa reportedly has the support of 30 members, a majority of 43 members are seeking to remove him from office in a vote of no confidence.
The controversial Speaker has called on the “majority bloc” to secure the support of 49 members to remove him from office, as required by the House rules. He has vowed to step down if that threshold is reached.
The “majority bloc” has held two meetings in the joint chamber of both houses of the legislature, which Koffa dismissed as unconstitutional and illegal.
Moreover, Speaker Koffa has also invited disenchanted lawmakers to attend a public meeting to discuss differences and seek possible solutions. But the invitation has been ignored.
The embattled House Speaker attempts to convene the House sessions have been unsuccessful due to the lack of quorum.
However, the “Majority Bloc” lawmakers on Thursday, 24 October called on Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, and the Deputy Chief Clerk, including the Sergeant-At-Arms to join their efforts, disclosing that the officials named failure to be present result to their positions being declared vacant. Additionally, the bloc has threatened to withhold the salaries of lawmakers who refuse to align with them.
