Liberia: Senate Backs Majority Bloc Following Justice Minister’s Opinion, Executive’s Pressure on Speaker Koffa to Resign - FrontPageAfrica

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Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The political hopes of embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to retain his position as Speaker of the 55th National Legislature suffered a major blow following the Liberian Senate’s endorsement of Justice Minister Oswald Tweh’s opinion on the ongoing leadership dispute at the House of Representatives.

By Obediah Johnson, obediah.johnson@frontpageafriconline.com/Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

In a surprise move on Tuesday, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence announced that the Senate had resolved to uphold Minister Tweh’s interpretation of the constitutional legitimacy of the House’s Majority Bloc.

Tweh’s opinion, issued at a Ministry of Information press conference, declared that the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives had the constitutional authority to conduct business, stating that their actions did not contravene any provision of the Liberian Constitution.

“My reading of the Court’s opinion and analysis dictates that the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives met the constitutional requirements explicated by the Court to hold sessions and take decisions consistent with the laws of the country,” Tweh said.

He added: “The budgetary process can be legally carried out by the Majority Bloc provided they meet the standards laid out by the Supreme Court’s opinion. Any decisions made by them are constitutional, legal, and valid.”

The Justice Minister’s opinion was issued at the request of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to clarify a Supreme Court ruling that has been interpreted differently by legal experts and the public.

Senate Decision Sparks Controversy

Senators voted to uphold Tweh’s opinion following a consultative meeting at the Capitol Building. Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence explained that the Senate’s resolution reflects a decision to engage with the Majority Bloc in legislative matters, including the ongoing 2025 draft budget deliberations.

However, a few Senators, including Sem. Nathaniel McGill (Margibi County) and Augustine Chea (Sinoe County), opposed the resolution, describing it as a dangerous precedent.

“Recipe for Chaos”

Senator McGill expressed strong disapproval of the decision, accusing the Justice Minister of acting as a “partisan lawyer” and warning of chaos if the rule of law is not upheld.

“The Executive has decided to carry out a coup by illegally removing Speaker Koffa. The Attorney General’s opinion has no serious basis and undermines the rule of law. This is a recipe for chaos in Liberia,” McGill declared.

McGill also criticized the use of police force to remove lawmakers from the Capitol Building and called for international sanctions against those undermining Liberia’s democracy.

Deepening Crisis

The Senate’s decision marks a significant shift from its earlier stance on November 26, when it refused to recognize either faction in the House leadership dispute. The endorsement of Tweh’s opinion now aligns the Senate with the Majority Bloc, signaling its readiness to engage with the group on legislative matters.

The crisis in the House of Representatives began when over 45 lawmakers, identifying as the Majority Bloc, claimed to have removed Speaker Koffa over allegations of corruption, nepotism, and conflict of interest. The bloc says it has the signatures of 50 lawmakers to support Koffa’s removal.

Koffa has denied the allegations, accusing the Executive Branch of orchestrating his ouster. He and his supporters have struggled to meet the quorum required to conduct legislative business.

The standoff has degenerated into physical confrontations, including a recent incident where pro-Koffa lawmakers were allegedly beaten by police during a dispute over the draft national budget.

What Lies Ahead for JFK?

Speaker J. Fonati Koffa remains resolute in his decision not to resign despite mounting pressure and threats, including the opinion from Justice Minister Tweh and alleged direct warnings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Sources informed FrontPageAfrica that before Minister Tweh’s opinion was publicly endorsed by the Senate, President Boakai reportedly urged Speaker Koffa to step down. During a Tuesday morning meeting, the President allegedly warned that if Koffa refused, he would back the Majority Bloc’s efforts to remove him and strip him of key privileges, including police protection.

Speaker Koffa, who is second in the line of succession after the Vice President according to the Liberian Constitution, reportedly stood his ground. Insiders revealed that Koffa, visibly angered by the threats, declared his intent to uphold the law and remain in his position despite the mounting pressure.

In a defiant response late Tuesday, Speaker Koffa took to his Facebook page, writing: “Fear nothing but to do wrong.” His post has since garnered widespread support from Liberians at home and abroad, with many commending his resolve.

“We are with you not because you are a saint but because we believe in the law… Please don’t step down,” said Karngar Doanduo Timon, a follower.

Another follower, Marvelene M.H. Lepukoi added: “What is most hurtful in this entire saga is the feeling of being betrayed by your own. The most painful wounds often come from friendly fire. However, this too shall pass. In the midst of it all, Hon. Cllr. Koffa is now introduced to the harsh realities of politics, albeit at a very heavy price.”

Legal and Political Implications

While some legal experts suggest that Speaker Koffa could file a bill of information with the Supreme Court as a possible legal recourse, others argue that the Senate’s decision to recognize the Majority Bloc has significantly weakened his position.

“This decision by the Senate is a major setback for the Speaker,” said one legal analyst. “It might signal the end of his tenure as Speaker of the House.”

 Uncertain Resolution

As tensions escalate with frequent threats, verbal exchanges, and even physical altercations at the Capitol, the resolution to this leadership crisis remains uncertain.

The Senate’s recognition of the Majority Bloc as the legitimate authority in the House may embolden its members, but it also risks further deepening the political divide. Meanwhile, Speaker Koffa’s defiance underscores his determination to hold his ground, despite a growing chorus of opposition.

Liberians now watch closely to see how this political standoff will evolve, with the stability of the Legislature and the rule of law hanging in the balance.