Liberia: ‘Ultra Vires!!!’ – Speaker Koffa Reacts to Majority Bloc’s Passage of 2025 Finances Amid Ongoing Legislative Rift
Monrovia – House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has labeled the Majority Bloc’s latest passage of the 2025 nationwide funds, adopted by Senate concurrence, as extremely vires—a authorized time period indicating actions taken outdoors the bounds of constitutional authority. Speaker Koffa’s declaration on Facebook comes amid escalating tensions inside the House of Representatives, as a legislative deadlock continues to deepen.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The Majority Bloc, which holds sufficient numbers to fulfill quorum and conduct periods, pushed by means of the US$880 million funds earlier this week, regardless of ongoing disputes over the legitimacy of their actions. Since a Supreme Court ruling on the matter, which directed lawmakers to resolve their variations, the Majority Bloc has taken steps to solidify its management, together with suspending 4 lawmakers for alleged violations of House guidelines. This brings the overall variety of suspended lawmakers to seven.
Speaker Koffa’s Facebook Post Sparks Debate
Responding to the funds’s passage, Speaker Koffa posted the time period “Ultra Vires” on his Facebook web page. His remark has since sparked widespread debate, with supporters praising his stance on upholding the rule of legislation, whereas others criticized him for allegedly obstructing progress.
Support for Speaker Koffa
Many of Speaker Koffa’s supporters recommended his dedication to authorized ideas and denounced the actions of the Majority Bloc as a harmful precedent.
James Villayan wrote: “Supporting the rule of law, even when it aligns with the minority’s stance against the majority’s lawlessness, is critical for fostering a just and stable society… Democracy thrives not on the whims of the majority but on a foundation of equitable and enforceable rules.”
Martin Sheriff praised Koffa’s resilience: “The Law is the Law; don’t give up… Don’t give up until the right thing is done.”
Abraham Kaikor Insurmountable added: “Do not resign like other Speakers before you. This bad and illegal precedent needs to stop, and I believe it’s going to stop with you.”
Criticism of the Speaker
However, critics accused Speaker Koffa of refusing to just accept the brand new legislative dynamics and hindering the nation’s progress.
Hamadan Brihima remarked: “The sooner you understand that law and legal analysis are normative enterprises and political analysis is a positivist enterprise, the better your life will be. Public sentiments will not bring you back to the Speakership.”
Hon. Cooper Passawee welcomed the funds passage: “The two houses have agreed to pass the budget in the tone of 880M. This is welcoming news for our nation. We are going forward, Sir.”
Morris Moses Mongai criticized the Speaker, stating: “You alone will not hold this country hostage… You won’t take pay as Speaker for December. Richard Koon will take the pay for December as Speaker because I saw all the documents.”
Supreme Court Ruling Adds Complexity
The Supreme Court’s earlier intervention, directing lawmakers to resolve their variations, has achieved little to quell the deadlock. Both factions claimed victory following the ruling, with the Majority Bloc persevering with to conduct legislative enterprise regardless of protests from the Speaker’s camp.
The Majority Bloc’s suspension of lawmakers and subsequent funds passage highlights their dedication to push forward with governance, however it has additionally drawn criticism for undermining the rule of legislation and democratic ideas.
What’s Next?
The passage of the 2025 funds marks a big improvement within the ongoing standoff. While the Senate has concurred, the political fallout from the Speaker’s opposition and the unresolved tensions inside the House of Representatives are more likely to persist.
For now, Speaker Koffa stays a polarizing determine, seen by his supporters as a defender of authorized integrity and by his critics as an impediment to progress. As the deadlock drags on, questions stay in regards to the long-term implications of this legislative disaster for Liberia’s democracy and governance.
