Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of J. Fonati Koffa, declaring him the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives, five loyalists from Koffa’s Minority Bloc have surprisingly crossed over to Representative Richard Nagbe Koon’s Majority Bloc.
This recent action by Representatives Taa Wongbe, Moima Briggs, Romeo Quiah, Emmanuel Dahn, and Priscilla Cooper increases the Majority Bloc’s membership to a total of 48, leaving Speaker Koffa with only 25 supporters.
The announcement was made on Monday, April 28, 2025, during a press briefing led by Chief Clerk Mildred Siryon, where the newly joined members were present. Chief Clerk Siryon stated that the leadership of the House of Representatives acknowledges the Supreme Court’s recent ruling and anticipates a re-argument for clarification and compliance with constitutional principles and procedural inquiries currently facing the nation.
“It is our position that Honorable J. Fonati Koffa has lost the confidence of the majority of his colleagues. This loss of trust fundamentally impacts his ability to preside effectively over the House’s proceedings. It is our duty to ensure that the business of the Liberian people continues without interruption,” she explained.
She assured the public that upon the House’s return, the constitutionally mandated quorum, as outlined in Article 33 of the Constitution of Liberia, will be strictly maintained. “This will guarantee the continuity, legitimacy, and effectiveness of the House’s legislative functions. We remain committed to the principles of separation of powers and respect for the designated roles of each branch of government. We stress that no branch should exceed its constitutional authority,” the Chief Clerk emphasized.
She further asserted that the independence and integrity of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches are crucial to the health of democracy, highlighting the application of the political question doctrine. This doctrine holds that certain matters—especially those concerning the internal organization and governance of a co-equal branch—are non-justiciable.
According to her, these issues are constitutionally entrusted to the political branches and are not subject to judicial intervention. Decisions regarding leadership and internal management within the House of Representatives fall exclusively within the constitutional authority of the Legislature. “The Political Question Doctrine serves as a safeguard for the balance of powers, ensuring that political judgments remain the prerogative of elected representatives who are directly accountable to the people,” she concluded.
Chief Clerk Siryon commended the Executive Branch for its recent accomplishments in strengthening national security, promoting economic recovery, and enhancing Liberia’s standing in international diplomacy. She pointed out that these achievements reflect a leadership committed to national progress and pledged continued support and cooperation to advance the collective interests of the Liberian people.
