By Precious D. Freeman
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, has sharply criticized the so-called majority in the House of Representatives, warning that their numerical strength does not give them the authority to hijack legislative leadership or override constitutional procedures.
“Even if your clients are 100 in number, they don’t have the right to impose themselves as the majority bloc,” Chief Justice Yuoh stated during arguments on a Bill of Information filed by embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The case challenges the legitimacy of a parallel legislative leadership allegedly installed by a group of lawmakers claiming to represent the majority.
Yuoh’s remarks came as Cllr. H. Varney Sherman, representing the Majority Bloc, argued that their meetings and leadership decisions were conducted with the Deputy Speaker’s involvement.
But Yuoh pressed Sherman on the legality of such actions, asking pointedly, “Does the law say that a group of lawmakers can hold a session elsewhere while the elected Speaker is present and summoning them for session?”
The hearing revealed growing tensions over the Majority Bloc’s attempt to assert control in the House of Representatives.
Yuoh questioned why the group moved to designate another Speaker when Koffa remains the constitutionally elected Speaker.
“Though the Speaker is without a quorum, that doesn’t give you the right to declare yourselves as majority,” Yuoh stressed.
The Chief Justice’s rebuke underscored the Supreme Court’s stance that any effort to remove Speaker Koffa must adhere to constitutional guidelines, which require a two-thirds majority vote and a properly convened session.
Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie reinforced this point, stating, “The Speaker has not been lawfully removed.
The Constitution gives lawmakers the authority to elect and remove a Speaker but they must follow the proper procedure.”
Justice Yusuf Kaba also weighed in, warning that the actions of the Majority Bloc could set a dangerous precedent.
“We understand that a majority elected another Speaker,” Kaba said. “But the law provides a procedure. Follow it.”
Cllr. Arthur T. Johnson, representing the minority bloc, argued that the Majority Bloc’s actions — including holding separate sessions — defy the Supreme Court’s authority and undermine constitutional order.
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay acknowledged the Court’s limited authority to dictate legislative decisions but stressed that any action taken by lawmakers must comply with constitutional principles.
Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s sharp criticism signals that the Majority Bloc’s moves to unseat Speaker Koffa have directly violated the Court’s December 2024 ruling, which declared such actions unconstitutional.
The Court has reserved ruling on the matter for a later date, leaving the leadership standoff in the House of Representatives unresolved.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice Yuoh has requested the Ministry of Justice to provide security for each Associate Justice ahead of the final decision.
