By Precious D. Freeman
&
Stephen N. Tokpah
-Bong (freelance)
The Supreme Court’s Chambers Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay on Monday November 4, 2024, heard arguments between the Representatives regarding the legality of their action in an attempt to remove Fonati Kofa as Speaker.
In order to make an informed decision during the arguments, Justice Gbeisay questioned Cllr. Varney Sherman who is representing those in majority over why his clients will not return to the main chambers of the House of Representatives and deliver their complaints so that the person they are having issues with could step aside and allow his deputy preside rather than staying away?
He clarified that his stay order issued did not prevent lawmakers from assembling for the purpose of performing their legislative functions rather, it is their illegal actions toward the removal process that is being looked into.
Arguing for the ‘disrespectors’ of the law and the chamber justice’s instruction, Cllr. Sherman denied that anything has been done to remove the speaker because according to him, Koffs is still enjoying his speakership under the law of the Republic.
Cllr. Sherman contended that the petition filed by Speaker Kofa was pre-matured and as far as he is concerned, nothing is happening at the House of Representatives but Cllr. Syrenius Cephas and Cllr. Kabineh J’aneh countered and said, the lawmakers should give their client due process since Article 49 gives them the right to elect and remove a speaker.
Article 49 states “The House of Representative shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers as shall ensure the proper functioning of the House. The speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House.”
Speaking with judicial reporters, some of the disenchanted majority agreed to return to session in the main chambers of the House of Representatives today, Tuesday November 5, 2024 to initiate the due process highlighted by Cllr. Koffa lawyers.
It can be recalled on October 25, 2024, the Chambers Justice issued a stay order on every proceeding of the anti Koffa bloc pending the outcome of today’s conference.
Meanwhile, Bong County Electoral District 5 Representative Eugine Kollie, stated that he is prepared to face political death in his ongoing plan to uphold the constitution amid calls to remove Fonati Koffa.
Amid rising tensions regarding Koffa’s leadership, Representative Kollie reaffirmed his allegiance to the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles.
“I, Eugine JM Kollie , do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God,” Kollie declared recalling the oath he took on January 15, 2024, and this is the oath for which we live our political career for, and if need be, we are prepared for political death.”
Kollie’s remarks come at a critical time as various factions within the legislature seek to challenge Koffa’s authority. His willingness to confront potential political fallout underscores a growing sentiment among some lawmakers who prioritize constitutional fidelity over party allegiance.
The atmosphere within the legislature has been charged, with debates intensifying over issues of governance and accountability.
Rep. Kollie’s statement reflects a broader call among certain lawmakers for transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
As the political landscape in Liberia continues to evolve, Rep. Kollie’s commitment to his oath may resonate with constituents and colleagues alike, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about leadership and governance in the nation’s capital.’
But speaking to reporters Bong County’s District 7 Representative Foday Fahnbulleh, a leading member of the contending majority who confirmed that the process to now present the embattled Speaker with due process would begin today, in the Joint Chambers of the Legislature, to be presided over by Deputy House Speaker, Thomas Fallah.
He emphasized that an official communication regarding the complaint had been submitted to the Deputy Chief Clerk and was presented to the Justice in Chamber for further action.
Montserrado County District 4 Representative, Marcus Thomas said, discussions related to the case remain within the court’s jurisdiction.
The issue before the Supreme Court is based on the recent petition when under the Koffa’s gavel members of the 55th Legislature invoked Article 33, calling for a simple majority with a quorum to transact legislative duties and because majority refused to assemble for a quorum to conduct business, the Speaker sought legal redress under Article 26, requesting the law to be tried in order to compel the lawmakers to return to session.
