The Supreme Court of Liberia through its Chambers Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay is expected to decide the fate of embattled Speaker of the House Representatives Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, after entertaining arguments between both parties on Monday, November 4, 2024, during a conference.
Justice Gbeisay’s move to hear arguments between the minority and majority blocs in the ongoing removal plot against Speaker Kofa was intended to aid an informed decision into the matter.
During the arguments, the Chambers Justice questioned Cllr. Varney Sherman representing the “Majority Bloc,” why not his clients return to the main chambers of the House of Representatives and deliver their complaints, while the person they have issues with steps aside for his deputy to preside rather than staying away?
The Associate Justice his stay order issued didn’t prevent lawmakers from assembling and performing their functions, rather it was due to the illegal actions observed within the removal process.
But making his case, Cllr. Sherman said nothing has been done to remove the Speaker because he’s still enjoying his speakership under the law of the Republic of Liberia, and the petition filed by Speaker Koffa was premature and as far as he’s concerned, nothing is happening at the House of Representatives.
In counter argument, Cllr. Syrenius Cephas and former Associate Justice Kabineh J’aneh said the Majority Bloc should give their client due process since Article 49 of the constitution gives them the right to elect and remove the speaker.
Article 49 states; “the House of Representative shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer as of that body, a Deputy Speaker and other such other officers shall ensure the proper functioning of the House. The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and other officers elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House.”
But speaking with judicial reporters, some lawmakers from the Majority Bloc agreed to have sessions in the main chambers of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to initiate the due process highlighted by Cllr. Koffa’s lawyers.
On October 25, 2024, the Chambers Justice issued a stay order on all proceedings of the anti-Koffa bloc pending the outcome of yesterday’s conference. However, the Associated Justice reserved a ruling in the case after listening to the arguments.
By T.Q. Lula Jaurey
