By: Melvin Jackson
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court at the Temple of Justice, under the leadership of Judge George W. Smith, has issued a summons for House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to appear in court on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The summons stems from a 22-count petition for a declaratory judgment filed by lawyers representing embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The petition challenges the legitimacy of Speaker Koon’s election, deeming it “ultra vires” and requesting the court to nullify it.
Additionally, Koffa’s lawyers are seeking a court declaration against the legality of parallel sessions held by a group within the House of Representatives calling themselves the “Majority Block.”
They have also requested an order restraining Speaker Koon from using the privileges of the Speaker’s office, including the use of a siren, license plates, and police escort.
The petition emphasizes adherence to Section 9.1 of the House’s Standing Rules for removing officials and Chapter V, Article 31 of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates lawmakers to take a constitutional oath before performing legislative duties.
Koffa’s team has also urged the court to issue an alternative writ to halt alleged violations of Article 49 of the Constitution and Standing Rules 9.1 and 10.1, arguing that these violations disrupt smooth legislative processes.
Meanwhile, a bail of information filed by Koffa’s lawyers before the Supreme Court on December 12, 2024, remains unresolved, awaiting assignment and hearing.
