Ex-VP Taylor Entreats Supreme Court to Render Unbiased Opinion in Koffa’s Bill of Information
Monrovia, Liberia: As Liberia faces a pivotal legal and political moment owing to the leadership impasse at the Lower House of the 55th Legislature and the pending ruling of the Supreme Court regarding embattled House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s Bill of Information (BoI), former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has entreated the Honorable Supreme Court Justices—particularly its women members—to rule with wisdom, impartiality, and courage.
In a statement laden with historical and biblical resonance, Madam Howard-Taylor—a lawyer and member of the Supreme Court Bar—outlined the Court’s forthcoming opinion on the matter as a significant test for Liberia’s democracy.
JHT: “The eyes of the nation—and indeed, of history—are upon you. Not only because of the matters before you, but because of the collective hope that justice in Liberia will be blind, impartial, and swift.”
Addressing the justices directly, Howard-Taylor extolled their stewardship of the law while cautioning them of their profound responsibility to Liberia’s fragile democracy.
“Today, more than ever, we appeal to your conscience, your wisdom, and your legacy—to rule justly, in full accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic,” the former VP intoned.
According to Madam Taylor, the Supreme Court’s decision would either strengthen public trust in Liberia’s legal system or expand skepticism in a nation still grappling with the menace of governance.
Depicting a parallel account to the Biblical Judge Deborah, who led Israel through turmoil with unwavering resolve, Howard-Taylor described the justices’ role as one of historic significance.
JHT: “Like Deborah, you—our Honorable Justices—are called to rise in times of uncertainty. Her leadership brought victory, and her wisdom brought peace for forty years. Today, Liberia finds itself at a defining moment, and history will not forget those who choose principle over overpressure, truth over silence, and justice over politics.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Koffa’s Bill of Information could set a critical precedent—either reinforcing judicial independence or fueling perceptions of partisan influence.
As it was recently reported, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was allegedly engaging with embattled Speaker Koffa and other members of the House of Representatives after reportedly discovering that the high court’s decision will not favor Representative Richard Nagbe Koon.
“We believe in your ability to rise above external influence,” she asserted, “and stand firmly for what is right and fair—for the sake of our democracy, the sustenance of our peace, and to affirm to the Liberian people that our justice system is one of integrity,” former VP Taylor.
It can be recalled that on March 26, 2025, the Supreme Court reserved its ruling on a bill of information earlier filed by embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, following a hearing the same day.
The Supreme Court, through the Chief Justice, Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh, demanded security provisions for justices ahead of the final decision.
During the hearing, the high court scowled at actions by the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives and what it considered their defiance of judicial orders and constitutional procedures in the ongoing battle to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“Where he, Speaker Koffa, is still sitting, and you open a parallel session, it can create chaos,” declared Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh during a hearing on a Bill of Information filed by Koffa’s legal team.
When the majority bloc lawyers argued that more than 50 lawmakers voted to oust Koffa, the Chief Justice noted, “You can increase to a hundred. We are saying, we have said, and we say it again… you can be a thousand, but we say, At the time of that petition…” The Chief Justice emphasized, “What made you go and designate another speaker when there was already a designated speaker when this court spoke?”
The case marks a critical juncture in a five-month legislative crisis that has paralyzed governance, triggered violent clashes, and drawn international concern. At the heart of the dispute is the Majority Bloc’s persistent push to remove Koffa through contested sessions—actions the Supreme Court had previously ruled “ultra vires” (beyond legal authority).
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