President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has come under fire from renowned human rights attorney Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe for ignoring a Supreme Court decision that supported House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s legitimacy.
Citing Articles 65 and 66 of the Liberian Constitution, which establish the Court as the ultimate arbitrator on constitutional issues, Gongloe, a former presidential candidate and law professor, declared that the Supreme Court’s ruling from April 23 is final and binding.
When Speaker Koffa is present and not incapacitated, the Supreme Court declared that any legislative measures performed by a “majority bloc” without his presiding over them are unlawful.
Gongloe contends that President Boakai’s declaration that his administration will “continue to work with the quorum that ensures full functioning of our government” is a clear contradiction of the Court’s ruling.
“The Court has made its voice heard. Therefore, the Court’s ruling must be strictly adhered to by all government representatives, Liberian citizens, diplomatic partners, and domestic and foreign corporations, Gongloe stated.
He cautioned that the president and parliamentarians alike risk destabilizing Liberia and impeding the country’s democratic development if they disobey the verdict.
Gongloe urged lawmakers to respect the Court’s ruling, directed all government communications to Speaker Koffa, reassigned security and logistical support from Rep. Koon back to Speaker Koffa, and instructed government officials to stop challenging the Supreme Court’s authority. He also urged President Boakai to take immediate action to correct the situation.
Gongloe warned that the Boakai administration’s failure to fully implement the verdict could harm Liberia’s standing abroad, imperil its hopes of joining the UN Security Council, and discourage foreign investment because of legal ambiguity.
“Unwavering respect for the rule of law is essential to Liberia’s peace, democratic stability, and international credibility,” Gongloe continued. “Mr. President, please listen while there is still time.”
