Monrovia -The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a keep order on proceedings by the “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives aiming to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. This choice follows a petition filed by Speaker Koffa’s management, difficult the makes an attempt by the Majority Bloc to take away him from his place as presiding officer of the 54th Legislature.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
The keep order halts any actions by the “Majority Bloc” till a convention scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024.
Speaker Koffa approached the Supreme Court after two unsuccessful makes an attempt by his management to achieve a quorum within the House, stopping official legislative enterprise. Koffa reportedly has the help of 30 members, whereas the Majority Bloc—comprising 43 lawmakers—seeks to take away him via a vote of no confidence, citing numerous grievances.
Speaker Koffa has challenged the “Majority Bloc” to safe the help of 49 lawmakers, as required by the House’s standing guidelines to unseat him. He has acknowledged he’ll step down in the event that they attain this threshold, however he won’t resign with out the required help.
The “Majority Bloc” has held two classes within the joint chambers of the Upper and Lower Houses, which Koffa has dismissed as unconstitutional and illegitimate. He has invited opposing lawmakers to attend official classes to debate any disagreements and discover potential options. However, his makes an attempt to convene the House have been unsuccessful as a consequence of lack of quorum.
The “Majority Bloc” has additionally pressured Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, and Deputy Chief Clerk to hitch their efforts, warning that their positions could also be in danger in the event that they fail to conform. Additionally, the bloc has threatened to withhold the salaries of lawmakers who refuse to align with them.
In response to the escalating tensions, Speaker Koffa has sought intervention from the Supreme Court to evaluate the constitutionality of the Majority Bloc’s actions and halt their proceedings.
