Who’s Responsible For Legislative Quorum? …Speaker Or Plenary?

By Bill W. Cooper
Ahead of the opening of the Legislature in May, there seem to be serious concerns among Liberians as to whether Fonati Koffa will resign as Speaker or get the required numbers to constitute a quorum for the transaction of legislative business.
Members of the House of Representatives and senators are expected to return from their recess for the 2nd Quarter of the Legislature, despite the ongoing saga.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Koffa’s leadership comes amid a growing impasse within the House, prompting a faction of some of his colleagues, calling themselves majority to sign a resolution for his removal.
The allegations of bribery, which demonstrated a ‘pay-for-play’ engrained scheme driven by members of the former ruling party, witnessed members of the Legislature ignited in fierce tension, thus culminating into a chaotic scene marred by heated confrontations and even physical altercations among them and their supporters.
This also led to what many described as an illegal removal of Koffa from his position, thus being replaced by Montserrado County Representative Richard Koon as the new speaker of the House of Representatives.
However, Koffa and team later filed a bill of information before the same court that in return, declared him as the legitimate Speaker of the country.
In response to the court’s ruling, President Josoeh Boakai acknowledged the Court’s decision and emphasized that his administration would work with a “functional quorum.” thus confirming ongoing consultations with national stakeholders, traditional leaders, and the religious community.
Since the matter ruling by the court, there have been mixed reactions over the fate of Speaker Koffa as to whether he will be able to conduct a session due to the lack of quorum.
Article 33 of the Constitution states that a simple majority of each House (House of Representatives and Senate) constitutes a quorum for conducting business.
While a simple majority is needed to conduct business, a smaller number can adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members.
But surprisingly to the citizenry, the minority members of the House of Representatives loyal to Speaker Koffa disclosed that they have submitted a resolution to former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, which seeks to end the impasse at the House.
In their statement issued on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025, the group of lawmakers under the banner ‘Rule of Law Caucus’ said the former President will submit the same to all parties involved in the ongoing leadership crisis within the House of Representatives.
“This proposal, once adopted through a binding resolution, seeks to bring an end to the reign of Speaker Koffa and will ensure the conduct of a free, fair, and transparent election for a new Speaker of the House,” the statement said.
Though the ‘Rule of Law Caucus’ failed to mention the counts contained in the draft resolution, it said it represents a significant step forward in restoring trust, upholding democratic principles, and fostering genuine reconciliation among members of the House.
The statement maintained, “Beyond addressing the issue of leadership, the proposal also provides clear solutions to other outstanding matters that have plagued the House, threatening its functionality and undermining the spirit of governance.”
The Rule of Law Caucus added that it remains steadfast in its commitment to constitutional order, legislative independence, and the restoration of the dignity and credibility of the People’s House.
Also, information coming in says Liberia’s religious community, acting on the request of President Boakai, is attempting to persuade Speaker Koffa to resign amid a prolonged political standoff in the House of Representatives.
According to the information, these consultations have begun and they include efforts to pressure Speaker Koffa to voluntarily step down, but allies of Koffa raised concerns that such moves may appear biased, suggesting that the focus should instead be on enforcing the Supreme Court’s ruling rather than encouraging the Speaker’s resignation.
The information quoted Koffa’s supporters as arguing that it was unacceptable to urge Koffa to resign while members of the Majority Bloc remain suspended without salaries and benefits, which could deepen political uncertainty and expose the Speaker to criticism.
Meanwhile, as the May session approaches, the political atmosphere remains charged with speculation about Koffa’s next move, with many wondering whether he will choose to step down in the face of mounting pressure or assert his authority and preside over the session.
With this latest resolution from Koffa’s supporters being submitted to the country’s former leader for the country, all eyes will be on him, his team members and the House of Representatives, as the coming weeks will be critical in determining the direction of Liberia’s legislative body and the future of its leadership.