President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s decision to bypass House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa in the submission of the FY2025 national budget is a deeply troubling affront to Liberia’s constitutional order and the principle of separation of powers. Whether this move was intended as a political maneuver or a response to legislative discord, it undermines the authority of the Legislature and casts serious doubt on the president’s commitment to upholding democratic norms.
The submission of the budget through the House Chief Clerk rather than directly engaging the Speaker is not merely a procedural anomaly—it is a dangerous precedent. Speaker Koffa, despite mounting opposition and unproven allegations, remains the constitutionally recognized leader of the House of Representatives. Until a two-thirds majority of his peers vote to remove him, as required by the Constitution, any attempt to disregard his authority is a breach of constitutional protocol.
Governance cannot and must not be derailed by factional politics. Liberia’s hard-fought democracy rests on the respect for constitutional processes. President Boakai’s actions risk fracturing this foundation, creating a ripple effect of legislative dysfunction at a time when the nation can ill afford such instability.
The justification for bypassing Speaker Koffa—citing expert consultations after the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the House leadership dispute—is insufficient and raises more concerns than it resolves. The judiciary’s decision to leave the matter within the legislative domain does not grant the executive branch the license to circumvent established protocols. The Constitution unequivocally vests the Speaker with central authority over the House, and any deviation from this standard undermines the legislative process and weakens the rule of law.
This episode is a grim reminder of past governance failings during the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration, where executive overreach in legislative matters led to gridlock and instability. Liberia cannot afford to repeat these mistakes. With pressing challenges such as economic recovery, educational reform, healthcare improvement, and security concerns, the nation requires a government focused on collaboration and functionality, not one mired in political posturing and constitutional breaches.
President Boakai’s administration has pledged to deliver development under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, but such ambitions cannot succeed without a stable and cooperative legislative environment. By sidelining Speaker Koffa, the president risks exacerbating existing divisions within the legislature, jeopardizing the implementation of critical policies, and betraying the trust of the Liberian people.
The path forward is clear. President Boakai must take immediate steps to reaffirm his respect for constitutional norms. This begins with acknowledging Speaker Koffa’s authority as long as he remains in office and ensuring that all future communications with the House align with constitutional requirements. The budget process, a cornerstone of national governance, must never be weaponized for political gain or used to manipulate legislative dynamics.
At the same time, Speaker Koffa must address the allegations against him transparently and in good faith. He owes it to the public and his colleagues to demonstrate accountability and a commitment to ethical leadership. Similarly, the House of Representatives must resolve its leadership crisis through lawful and democratic means, restoring its credibility and focusing on its legislative mandate.
Liberia’s democracy is built on the principles of constitutional governance and institutional respect. Any attempt to sideline or weaken these principles threatens the country’s progress and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
President Boakai campaigned on a platform of integrity and inclusivity. He must now honor these promises by restoring public confidence in his administration’s commitment to the rule of law. The Liberian people deserve no less than a government that prioritizes constitutional obligations over political maneuvering. Anything less is a disservice to the mandate they entrusted to him.
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