House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa of Liberia has filed a writ of prohibition with the Supreme Court, seeking to block an effort by a faction within the House of Representatives to remove him from office. This writ, filed as an urgent measure, claims the ongoing attempt to unseat Koffa is procedurally flawed and breaches constitutional protections. The political maneuvering follows high-profile bribery allegations and accusations of unethical conduct within the legislature, with a critical bribery claim at the center of the controversy.
The case escalated when Gbarpolu County Representative Luther Collins openly admitted to accepting a $15,000 payment to secure his support for Koffa’s removal. In a surprising twist, Collins turned over the funds to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) as evidence, revealing an alleged bribery scheme and citing his intentions to expose corruption within the government. His actions sparked an immediate public backlash, leading to calls for a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Justice and the LACC, particularly from figures like former President George Weah, who condemned the ouster attempt as a destabilizing effort.
In response, Liberia’s Senate formed a mediation committee to resolve the discord within the House. This committee, comprising senior lawmakers, seeks to defuse tensions and restore unity, striving to avert further fragmentation within Liberia’s governing institutions.
Meanwhile, Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., of the Supreme Court, issued an official directive to the legislators supporting Koffa’s removal, ordering them to cease any further actions until a legal resolution is reached. “By directive of His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby cited to a conference with His Honor on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., in connection with the above-captioned case. Meanwhile, you are ordered to stay all further proceedings and/or actions in the matter pending the outcome of the conference,” the directive stated.
The writ filed by Koffa contends that the petition to remove him fails to meet procedural requirements, arguing that the lack of due process infringes on his constitutional rights. As the case awaits deliberation, the Supreme Court’s impending conference holds significant implications for the legal framework surrounding governance and checks on legislative power in Liberia. The court’s ruling may clarify the boundaries of constitutional protections for legislative officials as well as the permissible extent of political actions within Liberia’s bicameral legislature
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
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