By Precious D. Freeman
The Justice-in-Chambers at the Supreme Court, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has ordered the cessation of all legislative proceedings by a faction of lawmakers known as the “Majority Bloc,” who are seeking the removal of Fonati Koffa.
This mandate follows a petition filed by Speaker Koffa and highlights a growing rift within the House of Representatives but some lawmakers among the 43 are considering invoking possible impeachment charges against the Associate Justice himself if he continues to interfere with the business of the House in line with Article 43 of the Constitution.
The lawmakers citing Article 44 of the Constitution suggested that Justice Gbeisay’s writ represents “legislative contempt,” as it seeks to obstruct the House’s operations and impedes members from discharging their constitutional duties.
The Majority Bloc, led by Representatives Samuel G. Kogar and 42 others, seeking the removal of Koffa stated, in what they termed as an initial response to Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay’s recent writ of prohibition halting their function in a separate chamber of the Legislature, that they will continue legislative business undeterred.
They announced plans to convene a conference on November 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM, same time as the chamber’s conference, aimed at challenging Speaker Koffa’s leadership, asserting a self-declared authority to function independently of the Speaker’s directive.
Justice Gbeisay emphasized the need for maintaining order and adherence to legislative procedures during this tumultuous period.
The Koffa’s petition prayed for a writ of prohibition against the actions of the Majority Bloc, arguing that they are operating outside the scope of the House’s Standing Rules and the court’s decision emerged after extensive mediation by the Senate’s committee led by Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar M. Findley.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the ‘Majority Bloc’ initially demanded Speaker Koffa’s unconditional resignation before returning to the regular plenary while in spite of these pressures, Speaker Koffa has firmly rejected calls for his resignation, advocating instead for an audit of the House to address ongoing budget alterations.
His supporters have rallied behind him, emphasizing the importance of unity and legislative integrity.
Rather in their rebellious and power greed posture, the ‘Majority Bloc’ announced that it will hold a formal session on October 29, 2024, in the joint Chamber to hold a session, ignoring the Justice in Chambers’ directive and discuss Justice Gbeisay’s writ.
Led by Bong County Representative Foday Fahnbulleh, the group argued that the writ of prohibition is a clear infringement on the Legislature’s constitutional authority, suggesting that Justice Gbeisay’s intervention contravenes the principle of separation of powers enshrined in Article 3 of the Liberian Constitution.
“The Justice’s interference goes beyond his constitutional role,” Fahnbulleh asserted, emphasizing the Legislature’s exclusive right to self-governance in line with Article 38, which allows each House to manage its internal affairs, including disciplinary actions.
The lawmakers underscored their adherence to constitutional provisions mentioning Article 33 which they say mandates that a ‘Simple Majority’ shall constitute quorum for legislative sessions.
Fahnbulleh, one of the leaders of the Koffa removal effort, sternly defended their decision, claiming that they have been meeting the legal quorum needed for legislative business and asserting their commitment to fulfilling their duties to the Liberian people.
“We do not run a bloc,” Fahnbulleh sharply reacted, refuting claims of factional leadership. “The Justice in Chambers is not acting in keeping with the law. We are going to session. The Legislature functions on a majority precedent,” he reiterated.
He insisted that the 43 members easily meet this requirement, far surpassing the 37-member quorum requirement emphasizing that the group has maintained quorum in all sessions held since they decided to remove speaker Koffa, dismissing Justice Gbeisay’s reference to them as a “Majority Block” as erroneous.
Moreover, Rep Fahnbulleh contends that their actions are consistent with Article 40 of the Constitution, which governs the legislative process and prohibits either House from adjourning for more than five days without consent from the other.
Fahnbulleh argued that the Justice’s directive effectively forces an adjournment upon the House for more than 9 days, and this compromises the function of the House, and undermines the House’s constitutional prerogatives.
“Our 43 members will continue to meet in session, receive and discuss the writ,” he affirmed
According to Fahnbulleh, the resolution signed by the majority is a lawful expression of their opinion under Article 42, which grants lawmakers immunity from prohibition, arrest, or detention related to their legislative actions.
The drive to remove Speaker Koffa, spearheaded by the majority faction, stems from several allegations of abuse of public office, fiscal mismanagement, lack of leadership, and several others.
As tensions remain high at the Capitol Hill, the upcoming conference on November 4 will be crucial in determining the future of the House of Representatives and the ongoing conflict between Speaker Koffa and the ‘Majority Bloc’ that seeks to unseat him.
The outcome could have lasting implications for legislative governance in Liberia.
