Liberia Council Of Churches Calls For Respect Of Supreme Court’s Ruling
By Our Staff Writer
All eyes are set on the Capitol Building to see what move will the “majority bloc” and whether the Executive branch of government headed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai will continue to send its officials to appear before that anti-Koffa bloc on the 2025 draft national budget and other state matter, as the Supreme Court has described Koffa’s removal as unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court of Liberia in its ruling said: “Any sittings or actions by members of the Legislature not in conformity with the intent of Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution are ultra vires. Hence, Members of the House of Representatives are to conduct themselves accordingly.”
This Monday and Tuesday, December 9 and 10, 2024, several top officials of the Finance Ministry, Liberia Revenue Authority and others appeared before the “majority bloc” now headed by the man who they announced as the new Speaker, Montserrado County District #11 Representative, Richard Nagbe Koon from the ruling Unity Party. The embattled Speaker Cllr. Koffa is from the main opposition party, CDC.
Did Justice Min. Cllr. Tweh get it wrong?
The Justice Minis Tweh’s and Attorney General, Cllr. Oswald Tweh on Monday gave what is seen in some quarters as a contrary Opinion by advising President Boakai and his government to do business with the “majority bloc”:
“My reading of the Court’s Opinion and the analysis made above, dictate what constitutes a valid, legal and constitutional Plenary of the House of Representatives, as quoted in the Court’s opinion, bring me to the conclusion that the majority members of the House of Representatives met the constitutional requirements explicated by the Court to hold Session and take decisions consistent with the laws of the Country and the Rules of the House of Representatives,” Minister Tweh stated.
Justice Minister Tweah also said: “Therefore, I am of the considered opinion and the law supports my opinion, that the budgetary process can be legally carried out by the majority members provided they meet the same standards laid out by the Supreme Court’s opinion, forming an integral part of my opinion, and that any decision therefrom is constitutional, legal and valid.”
But on Monday, Cllr. Fonati Koffa accusing the Executive Branch of government of taking side and fueling “tyranny”.
At a news briefing in his office at the Capitol earlier today, embattled Speaker Koffa openly blamed the Executive for fueling the leadership row at the House which has dragged on for nearly two months. Embattled Speaker Koffa Accuses Boakai’s Executive Branch Of Fueling ”Tyranny”, As Fresh Violence Erupts @ The Capitol – News Public Trust
He said Liberians are now seeing “Politics in its worst form and tyranny in its best form.”
It was the same day that violence erupted at the Capitol Building—seat of Liberia’s Legislature, the latest in a series of showdown that has engulfed the House of Representatives in the protracted leadership crisis.
Some Lawmakers and supporters of the rival blocs were said to have been injured in the commotion, which is said to have sparked the intervention of riot and armed state police who later fired teargas, just few days after the Supreme Court’s ruling urged the contending parties to return to work and resolve the impasse. Supreme Court’s Ruling Directs Lawmakers: Go Back To The Capitol And Resolve Their House Leadership Saga – News Public Trust
Council Of Churches Calls For Respect Of Supreme Court’s Ruling
At the same time, the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) is calling on the opposition Majority Bloc and the embattled Speaker in the House of Representatives to uphold the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, urging adherence to the principles of justice and the rule of law.
The ruling which quotes article 33 and 49 of the constitution of the Republic of Liberia according to the ruling is in conformity with the law and as such honorable men and women should conduct themselves accordingly, says the LCC press release signed by its President, Rev. Dr. Samuel Reeves.
In the reconciliatory dialogue meeting organize by the Council of Churches with the Speaker Fonati J. Koffa and the majority blocked led by Honorable Samuel Kogar at the Providence Baptist Church on Broad Street, the separate parties agreed to conform and adhere to the rule of law and accountability. The Supreme Court according to legal framework interprets the Liberia constitution and its ruling sets the basis for good governance.
The LCC prays that members of the Majority Bloc and the Speaker respect the Supreme Court’s decision and ruling as clear and unequivocal. The Council deems any actions by any of the parties to undermine the Court’s judgment as unconstitutional and ultra vires is in disregard to the rule of law. It is the LCC’s position that this ruling should bring the current legislative impasse to an end.
The Council is urging the parties to respect the Constitution and the House rules by returning to regular legislative sessions and pursuing any efforts to remove the Speaker through lawful means.
Additionally, the LCC calls on the other branches of government to refrain from acts of interference and respect the separation of powers as enshrined in the constitution and also negating acts of defiance to the decision of the Supreme Court’s. The Council calls on legislators to honorably and dutifully carry out the work of the Liberian to ensure that the budget and other proceedings are dealt with peacefully.
The Liberia Council of Churches remains committed to fostering constitutional governance and stability in Liberia.