The Rule of Law Caucus has announced its decision to withdraw from sessions under Koon’s controversial authority

Monrovia, Liberia: The Rule of Law Caucus, a self-identified supportive bloc of embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, has announced its intention to withdraw from all legislative sessions led by the controversial Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.

This decision comes in response to a recent interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling during the House Leadership Crisis, which deemed the proceedings of the Majority bloc as "ultra vires," meaning invalid.

The Rule of Law Caucus, through its Chair, Musa Bility, the Representative of District #7 in Nimba County, stated that the Caucus has resolved to refrain from attending any sessions of the Majority bloc until they respect the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Associate Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay emphasized during a significant address at the February Term of Court Opening in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, that the decisions made by the Majority bloc were invalid due to their failure to elect an officially recognized Speaker, a constitutional requirement for a valid quorum.

During a press conference on Thursday, February 13, in Monrovia, Representative Musa Bility expressed that the ongoing sessions of the Majority bloc, in light of the Supreme Court's recent interpretation, undermine the governance and democracy of the state.

"Their actions and their continued sessions, in defiance of the Supreme Court ruling delivered by the full bench and justice in the chamber, are illegal. Their disregard for the highest court of our land threatens both national and international confidence in our institutions," he stated.

Bility further urged his colleagues to respect the Supreme Court's decision and collaborate toward a resolution in line with the rule of law.

"As of today, we have resolved not to sit under their leadership, as the court has deemed their actions unlawful. Instead, we will continue to work with Speaker Koffa and convene with him as necessary under Article 33 of the Constitution, which allows us to meet and adjourn in the absence of a quorum," the minority bloc leader declared.

Additionally, the Rule of Law Caucus has called on the Executive, the Liberian Senate, and international partners to refrain from conducting business with the House of Representatives under the controversial leadership of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.

According to Bility, "We will maintain this position until the Executive withdraws its support for unconstitutional actions. We urge the Senate to honor and respect the Constitution by ceasing all business with this body. We also call on the international community to refrain from engaging with them. The ongoing crisis in the House of Representatives is not just a political dispute; it is a direct challenge to the foundation of our democracy and the rule of law".

The leadership crisis in the House of Representatives does not seem to be resolving soon, as the Majority bloc continues to hold sessions and conduct official business, claiming they can reach a quorum and have an elected presiding officer.

Recently, the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa was forced out of office to make way for the controversial Speaker Richard Koon.

This transition occurs at a time when Liberians are demanding proper representation and the enactment of legislation that will improve their lives.

Edited; E.Geedahgar Garsuah, Sr.