Hon. Richard Koon and Lawmakers Seek Re-Argument in Supreme Court Case

Monrovia, Liberia: Hon. Richard N. Koon and several members of the House of Representatives of Liberia’s 55th Legislature have filed a Petition for Re-Argument before the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn a recent ruling they claim contains serious legal and factual errors.

The lawmakers argue that the Court’s April 23, 2025 Opinion wrongfully concluded that all actions taken by the House of Representatives without Hon. J. Fonati Koffa presiding are unconstitutional, null, and void. They assert that the Court overlooked critical evidence proving that Koffa was properly removed from the Speaker’s position in accordance with Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution.

Petitioners’ Legal Arguments

Citing Rule IX, Part I of the Supreme Court Rules, the petitioners contend that re-argument is necessary when “palpable substantial mistakes” of fact or law are made. They referenced previous cases such as Harris et al. v. Layweah et al. and Cavalla Rubber Corporation v. LTD Bank, which support their position that re-argument is the appropriate remedy for correcting judicial errors.

The lawmakers emphasized that the Supreme Court mistakenly interpreted its own December 6, 2024 ruling, leading to widespread confusion and instability within the legislative process.

Impact on National Governance

According to the petition, the Supreme Court’s decision could jeopardize the legitimacy of the 2025 National Budget, which was enacted after Hon. Koon and others assumed leadership in the House. They warn that invalidating the Legislature’s actions could trigger a constitutional crisis, affect government salaries and contracts, and ultimately paralyze Liberia’s governance.

The petition further highlights that even the Supreme Court itself has benefited from the 2025 budget approved under the current House leadership an act the Court has now called unconstitutional.

Allegations of Judicial Overreach

The lawmakers accuse the Supreme Court of overstepping its authority and interfering with the internal affairs of the Legislature, in violation of the Separation of Powers Doctrine. They claim such judicial intervention could sow political unrest and undermine public confidence in Liberia’s democratic institutions.

The Way Forward

Petitioners are urging the Supreme Court to:

• Re-docket the Amended Bill of Information;

• Recall and quash the April 23, 2025 Opinion and Judgment;

• Grant the relief requested in their earlier submissions;

• Rule costs against the respondents.

They insist that allowing the April 23 ruling to stand would be detrimental to Liberia’s stability and economic future.