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House majority bloc leader, Richard Koon, insists that he is still speaker hours after a Supreme Court ruling declared his action illegal.
By Edwin N Khakie
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – April 23, 2025: In what has become a stand-off between the Supreme Court and the House of Representatives, majority bloc leader Richard Koon has rejected the well publicised Supreme Court ruling arguing that embattled House Speaker Koffa was rightfully removed.
His statement comes hours after the Superior Court interpreted its December 6, 2024, ultra vires ruling, which was left open to various interpretation. It also follows embattled Speaker Koffa’s press statement calling for unity and reconciliation after the court handed down its opinion.
However, Koon in his statement argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling represents “an atrocious and audacious violation” of the principle of separation of powers and accused the Court of overstepping its bounds by interfering in the internal affairs of the Legislature.
“The Leadership of the House of Representatives, acting by and between me, the undersigned, Honorable Richard Nagbe Koon, Sr., rejects in the strongest term the judgment of the Supreme Court,” Koon wrote. “Koffa was duly removed by a resolution signed by 50 members of the House—well above the two-thirds constitutional threshold required,” he added.
Embattled Speaker Koffa was ousted in early 2025 on allegations of corruption, conflict of interest, and mismanagement—charges the Majority Bloc claims violated Articles 90 of the Constitution and Rules 44 and 45 of the House. Koon maintains that Koffa was afforded due process, referencing the 2007 Supreme Court opinion in Snowe v. House of Representatives as precedent.
Koon also asserted that no lawmaker has filed a motion to reconsider Koffa’s removal, a move that would be required under Rule 17.4(q) of the House’s internal procedures.
“No opinion or judgment of the Supreme Court can or will erase this resolution from the records of the House,” Koon added. “Plenary will not allow Hon. Koffa to preside over any sitting or meeting of the House of Representatives.”
Still in a defiant posture, Koon maintains that the House has continued to function as normal including carrying out its legislative duties such as enacting the 2025 National Budget.
Legal and political analysts are closely watching the development, warning that the escalating dispute could trigger a constitutional crisis if left unresolved.
The Majority Bloc further revealed it is exploring both legal and political avenues to challenge the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“We shall vigorously and assiduously pursue any recourse necessary to protect the sanctity and integrity of the House and ensure effective governance of the Republic of Liberia,” Koon stressed.
This bold defiance by Regime Speaker Koon signals deepening divisions between branches of government, and poses critical questions about constitutional interpretation, rule of law, and institutional respect.
As the power struggle unfolds, the Liberian public and the international community await clarity on who holds legitimate authority in the nation’s first branch of government. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
