By Bill W. Cooper
Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has issued a stark warning to President Joseph Boakai regarding the ongoing political crisis surrounding the legitimacy of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fonati Koffa.
The former VP Taylor’s comments come in the wake of the Supreme Court of Liberia’s recent ruling that has reignited debates over the rule of law and governance in Liberia, a country still recovering from 14 years of civil unrest.
Liberia has a tumultuous political history, marked by civil wars, corruption, and a struggle for democratic governance, madam Howard-Taylor, who served as Vice President under former President George Weah, has been a prominent figure in the country’s political history.
Her ties to former President Charles Taylor, who was convicted of war crimes, also add a complex layer to her political identity, but despite her controversial past, Madam Taylor has positioned herself as a defender of the rule of law and a voice for stability in the country.
The current political crisis began when Speaker Fonati Koffa, who has faced allegations of misconduct, corruption and conflict of interest from his colleagues, sought legal recourse to affirm his position after being removed from his position.
The high Court, however, ruled in favour of Koffa, declaring him the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives, following a legal argument into his Bill of Information filed after the first ruling by the court, as Koffa has argued that his removal was unconstitutional.
President Joseph Boakai, in reaction, acknowledged the Court’s ruling and said his administration would engage stakeholders and religious leaders concerning the ruling, but vowed to work with a legislative body that has a quorum for running the government.
However, the Supreme Court’s ruling in his favour, coupled with President Boakai’s assertion, has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary affirmation of judicial authority, while others see it as a potential catalyst for further political unrest.
Speaking during a mass gathering of various opposition parties, including CDC, ANC, MOVEE, and CMC, Taylor asserted, “We have reached the point where we might choose to make this country chaotic if President Joseph Boakai doesn’t reconsider his decision and respect the rule of law by adhering to the Supreme Court ruling into the bill of information filed by Speaker Fonati Koffa, in which the court ruled in his favour as the legitimate Speaker of the country.”
Madam Taylor, in remarks, expressed her growing frustration like others from the opposition bloc, who feel that the current administration of President Boakai is undermining the judiciary and the democratic process of the country.
In her statement, Taylor emphasized the importance of respecting the court’s decision, warning that failure to do so could lead to chaos, and added, “The rule of law must prevail, and if we allow political interests to override judicial decisions, we are setting a dangerous precedent for our democracy.”
According to her, if the current administration does not act by the rule of law, it could further deepen the deep divisions within the country’s politics and the potential for unrest.
She added that President Boakai and his officials are not above the Liberian constitution as such; they are all under the moral obligation to do what is just by respecting the ruling of the supreme,e, which is the final arbiter of justice in the country or face the weight of the citizenry.
Madam Howard-Taylor then called for unity among the opposition political parties, urging them to unite and prioritize the well-being of the citizenry through continuous advocacy over personal ambitions.
She added, “We must come together as opposition parties because our people have suffered enough since the inception of this government. It is time for us to put aside our differences and work towards a common goal of peace and stability, ensuring that this government delivers on its campaign promises or gives way for competent leadership.”
