Liberia: ‘Ultra Vires!!!’ – Speaker Koffa Reacts to Majority Bloc’s Passage of 2025 Budget Amid Ongoing Legislative Rift

Monrovia, Liberia – December 21, 2024: House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has labeled the Majority Bloc’s recent passage of the 2025 national budget, followed by Senate concurrence, as ultra vires—a legal term indicating actions taken outside the bounds of constitutional authority. Speaker Koffa’s declaration on Facebook comes amid escalating tensions within the House of Representatives, as a legislative impasse continues to deepen.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The Majority Bloc, which holds enough numbers to meet quorum and conduct sessions, pushed through the US$880 million budget earlier this week, despite ongoing disputes over the legitimacy of their actions. Since a Supreme Court ruling on the matter, which directed lawmakers to resolve their differences, the Majority Bloc has taken steps to solidify its control, including suspending four lawmakers for alleged violations of House rules. This brings the total number of suspended lawmakers to seven.

Speaker Koffa’s Facebook Post Sparks Debate

Responding to the budget’s passage, Speaker Koffa posted the term “Ultra Vires” on his Facebook page. His comment has since sparked widespread debate, with supporters praising his stance on upholding the rule of law, while others criticized him for allegedly obstructing progress.

Support for Speaker Koffa

Many of Speaker Koffa’s supporters commended his commitment to legal principles and denounced the actions of the Majority Bloc as a dangerous 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 accept the new legislative dynamics and hindering the country’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 budget 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 differences, has done little to quell the impasse. Both factions claimed victory following the ruling, with the Majority Bloc continuing to conduct legislative business despite protests from the Speaker’s camp.

The Majority Bloc’s suspension of lawmakers and subsequent budget passage highlights their determination to push ahead with governance, but it has also drawn criticism for undermining the rule of law and democratic principles.

What’s Next?

The passage of the 2025 budget marks a significant development in the ongoing standoff. While the Senate has concurred, the political fallout from the Speaker’s opposition and the unresolved tensions within the House of Representatives are likely to persist.

For now, Speaker Koffa remains a polarizing figure, viewed by his supporters as a defender of legal integrity and by his critics as an obstacle to progress. As the impasse drags on, questions remain about the long-term implications of this legislative crisis for Liberia’s democracy and governance.

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