Published: January 13, 2025
MONROVIA – The Legislature reconvenes today, but the usual pomp and pageantry have been replaced by a solemn atmosphere, according to the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate.
This shift, she explained, stems from ongoing divisions at the Capitol, compounded by the December 18 fire that devastated the joint chamber of the Legislature.
Unlike previous years, this opening ceremony will feature no guests and no traditional lunch with the House of Representatives, a direct consequence of the fire incident. As customary, the Senate will march with the House of Representatives for the hoisting of county flags. Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, both Houses will retreat to their separate chambers for brief proceedings.
The legislative assembly adheres to Article 32 (A) of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates the Legislature to assemble annually. During the session, President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence will deliver an opening statement outlining the Senate’s agenda for the second session. She will also highlight the Senate’s accomplishments during the first session, including legislation passed, confirmations of executive branch officials, and pending matters in committee rooms, while setting expectations for the second session.
However, while the Senate focuses on legislative priorities, the House of Representatives remains embroiled in internal conflict. Supporters of embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, now led by Representative Musa Bility (Nimba, District 7), have vowed not to recognize the authority of majority bloc Speaker Richard Koon. Nevertheless, they have agreed to join the majority bloc’s sessions.
The months-long crisis escalated after Speaker Koffa was accused of financial misconduct, including claims that his law firm represented entities under House oversight and overspent its 2023 office budget by $3 million. These allegations triggered efforts to unseat him, marred by accusations of bribery and procedural lapses. Despite the Supreme Court’s December 5, 2024, ruling, both factions claimed victory, with the Executive and Senate siding with Koon’s leadership.
Rep. Luther Collins publicly admitted to accepting a US$25,000 bribe, alleging it was part of an organized scheme targeting Speaker Koffa’s removal. In a video that quickly went viral, Collins showcased a large sum of cash, claiming his intent was to expose the bribery plot rather than support the resolution. He further accused Rep. Kolleh of deducting US$200 from the initial US$15,000 he received as part of the deal.
Another video surfaced, capturing Collins in conversation with Rep. Clarence Gahr, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, who reportedly offered him US$25,000 to support the resolution, promising US$15,000 upfront and an additional US$10,000 upon Speaker Koffa’s removal.
In a statement, Representative Bility said the caucus had grown frustrated waiting for clarity from the Supreme Court regarding its recent rulings on the legislative crisis. “We have waited for the Supreme Court to clarify its last ruling, but to no avail. Thus, we must take a different approach to resolve our differences through legislative interactions,” he stated.
The Rule of Law Caucus has vowed to address several contentious issues, including the election of Representative Koon as Speaker, which they argue is unconstitutional. They have also decried punitive actions, such as the suspension of minority lawmakers, withholding of salaries, and reconstitution of committees without due process. Additionally, they allege that benefits owed to caucus members have been withheld, even though the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning confirmed the transfer of funds to the House’s accounts.
Representative Bility reaffirmed the caucus’ commitment to restoring constitutional order. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to the rule of law, which includes taking further legal actions alongside seeking legislative resolutions,” he said, expressing gratitude to the Liberian people for their support.
The turmoil deepened when seven minority lawmakers loyal to Koffa were suspended for allegedly obstructing legislative operations. These lawmakers—Frank Saah Foko, Eugene Kollie, Zinnah Norman, Alex Sonnyboy Noah, Marvin Cole, Abu Kamara, and Edward Papay Flomo—became focal points of the minority bloc’s grievances. On January 6, during a special session, the majority bloc rejected a motion to lift their suspension and reinstate their salaries.
Observers believe the decision by the Rule of Law Caucus to return to sessions could signal an opportunity for dialogue, but tensions remain high. Bility, in his first statement as caucus leader, struck a conciliatory tone, urging lawmakers to prioritize national interests. “A crisis in one branch of government weakens the entire system,” he said. “The Liberian people deserve a government that works in harmony to address their needs and move the country forward.”
He pledged to work tirelessly to resolve the impasse while upholding the rule of law, calling for cooperation from his colleagues. “Let us restore democracy, normalcy, and the people’s confidence in their government,” Bility said.
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