By Grace Q. Bryant
Cllr. Taiwan Glongloe has called on Liberian lawmakers to uphold the Constitution and strictly adhere to the Supreme Court’s rulings.
In a post on his Facebook page on October 30, Glongloe stated, “Respect for the Constitution is not optional, and adherence to the Supreme Court’s rulings is non-negotiable.”
Gongloe’s statement comes as opposition lawmakers have failed to honor the mandate of Justice in Chambers, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay.
The Justice in Chamber recently issued a stay order on all proceedings by lawmakers seeking the removal of embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
In recent weeks, legislative sessions have been separately held by both the Majority Bloc, who oppose Koffa’s leadership and the minority bloc under the gavel Speaker Koffa.
On October 25, 2024, Associate Justice Gbeisay directed the Clerk of the Supreme Court to inform Samuel G. Kogar, head and acting chairperson of the Majority Bloc, to halt all group activities against Speaker Koffa. This order followed Koffa’s petition for a prohibition against the Majority Bloc.
The opposing lawmakers have organized separate meetings, hindering quorum, as the Majority Bloc holds over 43 lawmakers while Koffa’s supporters have around 30. The Speaker requires at least 37 representatives to conduct official sessions.
He recently filed a writ of mandamus to compel the opposing lawmakers to attend sessions. Despite his supporters rallying in his defense, Koffa’s leadership continues to face accusations of mismanagement and corruption. There is also speculation that Koffa’s call for an audit of the House to promote transparency has contributed to the dissent within the House.
As both sides prepare for conference on November 4, public attention turns to the Supreme Court to see whether it will intervene to resolve the standoff and ensure the return of the absent lawmakers under the gavel of Speaker Koffa.
Glongloe underscored that any deviation from the rule of law endangers the foundations of a functional democracy. “In a functional democracy, the rule of law must always take precedence over political maneuvering,” he said.
He warned, “To disregard this is to invite chaos, where power, not principle, reigns.”
According to Glongloe, the rule of law is the cornerstone of democratic societies. “When lawmakers or officials prioritize personal or political motives over judicial mandates, they erode the trust citizens place in their institutions,” he stated.
He emphasized that such behavior leads to instability, corruption, and the erosion of civic freedoms.
Glongloe called on lawmakers to fulfill their responsibility to uphold justice and to set aside partisan interests for the greater good.
“Let this serve as a reminder: law supersedes all political interference. To undermine it is to erode the very foundation of the state,” he urged.
