Monrovia, Liberia – The Justice in Chambers at the Supreme Court of Liberia has directed Minister of Finance Augustine Nganfuan and House Comptroller Emmanuel Kopi to respond to a petition filed by several suspended lawmakers whose salaries have been withheld since October 2024.
The petition, filed by Representatives Marvin Cole (Bong County), Eugene Kollie (Montserrado County), Abu Kamara (Montserrado County, District #9), Frank Saah Foko (Montserrado County), Edward Flomo (Sinoe County), Alex Noah (Sinoe County), and Zinnah Norman (Gbarpolu County), alleges that their suspension and the subsequent withholding of their salaries by the Majority Bloc, led by Acting Speaker Richard Koon, violates the Liberian Constitution and existing financial management laws.
The suspended lawmakers, who were elected and sworn into office in January 2024, argue that their suspension is “ultra vires,” exceeding the legal authority of the Majority Bloc. They emphasize that the bloc’s decisions were made in the absence of the constitutionally elected Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
The petitioners cite a previous Supreme Court ruling that deemed actions taken by the Majority Bloc under these circumstances invalid. Despite this ruling, they claim that the Minister of Finance and the Comptroller have failed to release their withheld salaries, constituting a breach of their constitutional and statutory rights.
The Supreme Court has mandated that the Minister of Finance and the Comptroller file their response to the petition by March 10, 2025, explaining why a writ of mandamus should not be enforced. The court will then review the petition and responses on their merits before making a final determination.
Political analysts suggest that the suspended lawmakers’ petition is crucial for restoring trust and credibility in Liberia’s governance, upholding constitutional order, and reinforcing respect for the rule of law.
This legal challenge arises amidst a continuing power struggle within the House of Representatives, which remains divided into the Majority Bloc, presided over by Richard Koon, and the minority Rule of Law Caucus, led by the constitutionally elected Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
The Rule of Law Caucus has consistently demonstrated support and loyalty to Speaker Koffa throughout the ongoing political dispute. Speaker Koffa has repeatedly denied rumors of his resignation, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the law.
