“A True Commitment To Rule Of Law Is Not Expressed In Word, But In Action”; Cllr. Gongloe Reminds Pres. Boakai
The Political Leader of the Liberia People’s Party (LPP), Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, has reminded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai that true commitment to the rule of law is not expressed in words, but in action, and it is demonstrated by unreserved respect for the opinion of the highest court in the land.
Cllr. Gongloe’s statement is in regard to President Boakai’s open defiance to the Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 to recognize Cllr. Fonati Koffa as the legitimate Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives and consider the sittings of the self-styled “majority bloc” illegal and unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court, in its opinion and judgment of April 23, 2025, unequivocally declared, “Any action or sitting of the majority bloc in which the elected speaker is not presiding despite being present and is not absent or incapacitated is un-Constitutional. The action of the self-styled ‘majority bloc’ is in total disregard for the rule of law.”
However, President Boakai has decided that he would continue to work with the quorum that ensures the full functioning of his government.
But according to Cllr. Gongloe, who is also former President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), the Supreme Court’s ruling is final and must be honored without delay or qualification, consistent with article 65 of the Constitution of Liberia, which provides, “…Judgments of the Supreme Court shall be final and binding and shall not be subject to appeal or review by any other branch of government.” Additionally, he said, Article 66 of the same Constitution says, “The Supreme Court shall be the final arbiter of Constitutional issues…”; hence, when the Supreme Court speaks, all must obey.
Cllr. Gongloe said, “Mr. President, your recent assertion that your administration will ‘continue to work with the quorum that ensures full functioning of our government’ flagrantly disregards this clear and authoritative ruling of the Supreme Court. It undermines the Constitutional foundation of Liberia’s governance and weakens public trust in the rule of law.
“The court has spoken. As such, all government officials, members of the House of Representatives, citizens of Liberia, diplomatic partners, and both local and international business entities, must comply fully with the court’s judgment.
“The legal dispute in the House has been resolved. The legitimate and Constitutionally recognized presiding officer of the House of Representatives is Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.”
The legal luminary then called upon President Boakai to instruct all government officials to cease any statement or action that question the legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s opinion; to warn that any official who undermines the court’s authority may face suspension or dismissal; to urge all members of the House of Representatives to abide by the court’s decision, because the law is the law; to ensure all official communications to the House of Representatives or the Legislature from you or any of your officials are addressed to Speaker J. Fonati Koffa; and to withdraw all security details, vehicles, and support currently attached to Hon. Koon and restore them to Speaker Koffa.
He warned that any defiance of this ruling by the President or his officials, or legislators, invites chaos and disorder, thereby undermining the ability of the government to serve the Liberian people effectively.
“Moreover, your failure to fully recognize and implement the Supreme Court’s opinion will constitute a gross breach of Constitutional duty. It will tarnish Liberia’s image internationally and may jeopardize our country’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. It could also deter vital foreign investment by signaling that your administration does not uphold the rule of law,” Cllr. Gongloe observed.