LIBERIA’S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE is in turmoil as the struggle over control of the 55th Legislature deepens, raising critical questions about legality, constitutional authority, and the rule of law.
THE DISPUTE CENTERS around the legitimacy of Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s role as Speaker of the House of Representatives, following Attorney General Oswald Tweh’s controversial declaration that Koffa’s sitting was illegal.
THIS DECLARATION, MADE barely two days after the Supreme Court’s December 6 ruling, has sparked intense legal and political clashes, including calls for the actions of the so-called majority under Speaker Richard Koon to be declared unconstitutional.
ON A DAILY basis, the legal battle continues to intensify as Koffa maintains that he remains the lawful Speaker and has vowed to uphold the Constitution despite the withdrawal of his state security and his legal team has sharply criticized Minister Tweh for what they called ‘misinterpretation of the court’s ruling’, alleging that the Attorney General’s actions are emboldening unconstitutional behavior and exacerbating the crisis.
AT THE HEART of this conflict is the role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional order and the legal team representing Koffa emphasizes that the Supreme Court’s interpretation is final and binding, and that any contrary actions by the Executive or Legislative Branches should be viewed as unconstitutional.
THE DISPUTE ALSO highlights the critical function of the Attorney General, whose duty it is to advise the government on constitutional matters, thereby bringing Tweh’s opinion under judicial scrutiny.
THIS CRISIS IS not just a power struggle; it is a challenge to Liberia’s democratic institutions and the rule of law as both sides have valid points on the proper interpretation and adherence to the Constitution.
WE CALL ON the country’s political leaders, from the Executive to the Legislature, to respect the Judiciary’s role in interpreting the law and upholding the principles of constitutional governance.
AS THIS DISPUTE continues to unfold, it is imperative that all parties work to resolve the crisis through legal channels, ensuring that the integrity of Liberia’s democratic and constitutional order is preserved.
THE IMPORTANCE OF stability, transparency, and accountability cannot be overstated, and only through adherence to the rule of law can Liberia emerge from this conflict stronger and more united but to be honest, the power struggle is useless and uncalled for.
