Lawmakers loyal to embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, formerly Minority Bloc, and now under the banner of Rule of Law Legislative Caucus, on Thursday, February 13, 2025 vowed never to sit under Representative Richard N. Koon as speaker.
It can be recalled that the Rule of Law Legislative recently disclosed their decision to return to session following the Supreme Court’s failure to clarify its ruling in the ‘illegal’ removal of Speaker Koffa, saying it was time they took a different approach to resolve their differences through legislative interactions.
The lawmakers said they intend to use their legislative engagement to express their objections in the following: “The election of a Speaker when there is a Speaker who was legitimately elected in accordance with the Constitution and our Rules and the suspension and withholding of the salaries of our colleagues in total contravention of our rules,” Bility said.
But addressing reporters shortly after attending session on Thursday, February 13, 2025, the Rule of Law Caucus Chairman Musa Bility said they would no longer sit under the leadership of Majority Bloc Richard N. Koon because the Supreme Court has declared their sitting unlawful.
Bility said the minority lawmakers will continue to work with embattled Speaker Koffa in accordance with Article 33 of the Constitution of Liberia which allows them to have session and adjourn without quorum.
“We will maintain this position until our colleagues from the majority bloc recognize the Supreme Court’s ruling and the Executive branch stops its support to their unconstitutional action,” Bility said.
The Rule of Law Caucus chairman calls on the Liberian Senate to honor and respect the Constitution of Liberia and stop doing business with the Majority Bloc that has been declared illegal by the Supreme Court.
He urges the international partners including American Embassy, ECOWAS, and European Union (EU) and others not to engage with Majority Bloc Speaker Koon.
According to him, the ongoing crisis at the House of Representatives is not just a mere political dispute but it is a direct challenge to the foundation of democracy and rule of law.
“A nation that doesn’t respect the rule of law risks descending into lawlessness and instability and we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and will not be intimidated or surrender to any group that seeks to hijack democracy,” he said.
The Nimba County Representative said the Liberian people deserve better and they will remain steadfast in ensuring that justice, democracy and constitutional governance are rebuilt. Bility calls on their colleagues to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and work with them toward a resolution that is in accordance with the rule of law.
