Chief Allen applauds Supreme Court’s ruling

Chairman emeritus of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) welcomes Supreme Court’s ruling on House of Representatives’ crisis. 

By Naneka A. Hoffman

Monrovia, Liberia, April 25, 2025 – The Chairman Emeritus of the National Patriotic Party (NPP), Chief Cyril Allen, applauds the Supreme Court of Liberia for upholding the Constitution by granting the Bill of Information filed by House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.

In an exclusive interview moments after the ruling, Chief Allen described the decision as a “victory for our democracy and Constitution”, clarifying that it is not a personal win for Koffa, as perceived by some within political circles.

 “People must take the bull by the horn if our democracy and Constitution must move forward,” underscores.

At the same time, Chief Allen expresses disappointment over what he calls delayed judicial processes, which he believes contributed to the recent leadership conflict in the House of Representatives.

He criticizes President Joseph N. Boakai for allegedly failing to address the power struggle within the House, despite the President’s decades of experience in governance.

Allen urges President Boakai to revisit successful past initiatives like the Lofa County Agriculture Development Project and Bong County Agriculture Development Project, which once provided thousands of jobs and boosted the agricultural sector.

He calls for investment in Liberia’s untapped fishing industry, citing the nation’s 300 miles of coastal waters and the need for modern fishing vessels and processing facilities.

He recalls success of the timber and plywood industry, including a US$33 million plywood plant in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, which exported goods to neighboring countries and Asia.

Allen acknowledges progress in Liberia’s democratic process but stresses that much remains to be done.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday invalidated the election of Representative Richard Koon as Speaker of the House and nullified all legislative actions taken by his so-called “majority bloc,” declaring them unconstitutional and without legal effect.

This decision stemmed from an amended Bill of Information filed by Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and his allies, who accused Koon and his bloc of violating the Court’s December 6, 2024 opinion regarding constitutional procedures for legislative leadership.

“This Court emphatically declares that it is within the power and authority of the Supreme Court of Liberia to say what the law is without fear or favor,” the ruling stated.

Citing Articles 33 and 49 of the 1986 Constitution, the Court reaffirmed that only the Speaker or, in his absence, the Deputy Speaker may preside over House proceedings.

 “A quorum must be presided over by the constitutionally-defined presiding officer,” the Court further emphasized.

However, Rep. Koon rejects the ruling, arguing the Koffa was lawfully removed by a two-thirds majority in line with Article 49 and the House Rule 9(a). He accused the Court of overreach.

“The Supreme Court has today deviated from its own standard not to interfere in internal legislative affairs unless there’s a clear constitutional violation,” Koon said in a formal statement issued under the Speaker’s seal. Editing by Jonathan Browne