–Rule Of Law Caucus Says, Vows Not To Rest Until The Rule Of Law Prevails
The Rule of Law Caucus at the House of Representatives, headed by Nimba County Representative, Musa Hassan Bility, say they remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the House functions according to its established rules and Constitutional mandate. They emphasized that Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa remains the Speaker of the House, and any leadership change must follow due process and the laws of Liberia.
The Caucus said they will not be silent in the face of blatant disregard for the laws of the country, noting that the fight for democracy, accountability and transparency continues, as they will not rest until the rule of law prevails in the Republic of Liberia.
The caucus, made up of about 28 representatives, strongly condemned the continued violation of the rules of the House, the Constitution, and the mandate of the Supreme Court by members of the “majority bloc”.
According to a press release issued February 4, 2025, the Rule of Law Caucus said the blatant disregard of the “majority bloc” for due process and persistent attempts to destabilize the Legislature undermine transparency, accountability, and good governance. “This reckless behavior is a direct assault on the rule of law and an outright threat to Liberia’s democracy,” the release stated.
The release observed, “The House rules clearly stipulate that a two-thirds majority, meaning 49 or more members, is required to dissolve a committee. However, in flagrant violation of these rules, our colleagues have unlawfully appointed new committee members, thereby dissolving those previously constituted by Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, who remains the legitimate Speaker of the 55th Legislature.
“This action is un-Constitutional, illegal, and a calculated attempt to sow division, cripple the effectiveness of the House, and hijack the legislative process. It is an act of lawlessness that disregards all established legal procedures and serves only to create chaos, paralyze governance, and promote personal and political interests at the expense of the Liberian people.
“This unconstitutional takeover is designed to obstruct accountability and shield corruption. It is clear that those behind these unlawful actions are benefitting from the disorder, as it allows them to block necessary audits and investigations into public finances, prevents legislative oversight and scrutiny of government activities, and undermines the rule of law and suppress democratic principles.”
In the release, the Rule of Law Caucus categorically rejected the illegal appointments and reaffirmed that the committees constituted by Speaker Koffa remain the only legitimate committees of the House, and any actions taken by the illegitimate committees are null and void and hold no legal authority.
“We call on the government to take decisive action in restoring legislative order and ensuring respect for the rule of law. The international community must take immediate note of this ongoing Constitutional violation and exert the necessary pressure to protect Liberia’s democracy from collapse. The Liberian people must rise and reject these illegal maneuvers, demanding a government that is transparent, accountable, and just,” the caucus noted.