Executive-backed Lawmakers Casts “Vote of No Confidence” Against Supreme Court-Approved Speaker Pending the Hearing of a Motion for Re-argument

Monrovia, Liberia: In what appear to be unequivocal tones that might serve as a catalyst to escalate ongoing tension between constitutional procedure and political survival, the self-proclaimed majority bloc lawmakers have officially declared a “vote of no confidence” against Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, the Supreme Court-recognized Speaker of the House of Representatives.

By: Abraham Sylvester Panto 

The resolution casting a ‘vote of no confidence” issued during a leadership meeting at the Capitol Building on Monday, April 28, 2025, unambiguously asserts that Speaker Koffa, though protected by the Supreme Court’s Wednesday, April 23, 2025, ruling, has lost the confidence of his colleagues, thereby rendering his claim to the speakership position irrelevant.

"It remains our position that Honorable J. Fonati Koffa has lost the confidence of the majority of his colleagues," the statement declared, "a reality that irreparably impairs his ability to preside effectively, undermines the legislative agenda, and disrupts the cohesive functioning of the Hous”e.

The majority bloc’s statement acknowledges the Supreme Court’s recent judgment that rendered their earlier attempt to unseat Koffa procedurally flawed for lack of constitutional quorum but has filed a motion for re-argument, seeking judicial reconsideration in what amounts to an aggressive counter-offensive against a ruling they view as judicial overreach into the political environment.

"We acknowledge the recent ruling of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia and anticipate a re-argument, which has been duly filed for clarity, correctness, and adherence to constitutional dictates and procedural questions currently before the nation," the Majority Bloc said in the resolution, referencing the Court's decision to validate the election of Koffa as Speaker and seeking re-argument.

The executive-backed lawmakers maintain that internal legislative leadership matters are squarely outside the judiciary’s reach, framing the Supreme Court’s intervention as an unwelcome intrusion into the House’s sovereign administrative prerogatives, even as they strategically refrain from direct confrontation with the judiciary’s authority.

"We stress that no branch should extend its authority beyond its constitutional mandate," the body emphasized. "These matters are constitutionally entrusted to the political branches and are not subject to judicial intervention."

Addressing concerns regarding quorum, the majority reassured the public that the constitutionally required quorum, as outlined under Article 33 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, would be firmly maintained when the House of Representatives reconvenes, which, according to them, highlights the importance of upholding continuity, legitimacy, and effectiveness of the House's legislative functions.

In a related development, the Majority Bloc has acknowledged the recent achievements of the Executive Branch in national security, economic recovery, and Liberia’s international diplomacy.