Supreme Court of Liberia Intervenes in House of Representatives' Internal Dispute

The Supreme Court of Liberia has issued a conference order in response to an internal conflict within the House of Representatives, following a petition from House Speaker Hon. J. Fonati Koffa.

This petition seeks a writ of prohibition against Representatives Samuel G. Kogar, Richard Nagbe Koon, and members of the self-identified “Majority Bloc.”

Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., issued the order in response to the Speaker’s concerns that his leadership is being undermined by a faction of House members who claim they now represent a "Majority Bloc" under independent authority. The group, led by Nimba County District #5 Representative Samuel G. Kogar and Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, asserts that it has assumed certain legislative functions separate from Speaker Koffa’s leadership.

Initially, Speaker Koffa withdrew a previous petition but revisited the issue, filing for court intervention due to the ongoing dispute. His petition claims the actions of the Majority Bloc jeopardize unity within the House and hinder legislative functions.

In response, Justice Gbeisay has ordered both factions to refrain from any further actions until a scheduled conference on November 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Speaker Koffa’s supporters have urged him to stand firm against calls for resignation amidst the tension.