The Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL) has issued a strong call to President Joseph Boakai to immediately enforce a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated J. Fonati Koffa as the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives. The ruling, issued on April 23, 2025, declared the removal of Speaker Koffa by a rival bloc led by “Regime Speaker” Richard N. Koon as unconstitutional. CENTAL emphasizes the importance of adhering to the court’s decision to restore stability to the legislature and uphold the country’s democratic principles. The organization argues that the President’s continued recognition of the Koon bloc undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent.
The Supreme Court’s ruling reaffirmed its previous decision from December 6, 2024, which deemed the Koon bloc’s actions “ultra vires,” meaning beyond their legal authority. Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh delivered the opinion, emphasizing the court’s commitment to upholding the constitutionality of legislative processes. Despite this clear legal directive, President Boakai has indicated his intention to continue working with the Koon bloc, citing the need for a functioning quorum to conduct government business. This stance, however, has drawn sharp criticism from CENTAL, which argues that recognizing a quorum not presided over by the legitimate Speaker is, in effect, recognizing no quorum at all.
CENTAL Program Director, Attorney Gerald D. Yeakula, expressed deep concern over President Boakai’s decision, arguing that it undermines the authority of the Supreme Court and disregards the rule of law. Yeakula stressed that circumventing the court’s decision would further destabilize the legislature and impede crucial decision-making processes, as witnessed in the preceding months. He argued that the President’s actions not only damage Liberia’s democratic credentials but also set a dangerous example for future disputes. CENTAL advocates for the immediate restoration of Speaker Koffa’s rights and privileges, urging the President to sever ties with the Koon bloc until the Supreme Court rules otherwise.
While acknowledging the argument that the government needs a functioning legislature, CENTAL contends that true functionality lies in adherence to the constitution and the rule of law. The organization rejects the notion that the President has no choice but to work with the Koon bloc simply because they claim to constitute a quorum. This argument, according to CENTAL, sidesteps the core issue of legitimacy and ignores the Supreme Court’s clear pronouncements on the matter. Furthermore, CENTAL acknowledges the practical challenge of enforcing Speaker Koffa’s authority, given the absence of a House rule that compels members to attend sessions. Although the Liberian Constitution mandates the creation of such a rule, the legislature has failed to implement it over the past 39 years.
Despite the lack of a specific rule, CENTAL emphasizes the responsibility of the Koon bloc to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling and attend sessions presided over by Speaker Koffa. Only within a legitimately constituted legislative session can the Koon bloc initiate proceedings to remove Speaker Koffa, should they choose to do so, in accordance with the law. Absenting themselves from their legislative duties, CENTAL argues, does not constitute a legitimate removal of the Speaker. The fact that the Koon bloc has filed a petition for re-argument of the case, CENTAL notes, implicitly acknowledges the weight of the Supreme Court’s decision.
Until the Supreme Court overturns its previous ruling, CENTAL maintains that the current decision remains valid and binding. The organization, therefore, calls on the executive branch to fully respect and implement the Supreme Court’s decision, urging President Boakai to uphold the rule of law and contribute to strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions. CENTAL’s call for adherence to the Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the importance of an independent judiciary and respect for its decisions in maintaining a stable and functional democracy. The organization’s stance represents a strong defense of constitutional principles and a commitment to transparent and accountable governance in Liberia.
