MONROVIA – Constituent parties of the ruling Unity Party Alliance have categorically condemned what they term as “threats and destabilizing rhetoric emanating from few elements of the opposition community”.
“We strongly reject politically motivated intimidation and divisive tactics aimed at undermining our hard-earned peace and democratic progress,” the Alliance said in a statement, adding: “On Friday, we witnessed the unfortunate gathering of opposition figures, who irresponsibly threatened chaos and the ungovernability of the state should the President fail to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling.”
The governing party said such inflammatory rhetoric represents a dangerous assault on Liberia’s stability and constitutional order, which it denounced and described as “morally bankrupt attempts to prioritize political ambition over national interest”.
The threats to “shut down” Liberia through violence and unrest are unacceptable and will be met with firm resistance by all peace-loving Liberians, the party said in a release.
The party recalled that on Wednesday, April 23, the Supreme Court of Liberia rendered a ruling in the ongoing legislative impasse that has disrupted the House of Representatives over the past few months.
This ruling stemmed from a Bill of Information filed by former Speaker, Representative J. Fonati Koffa, seeking clarification of the Court’s December 6, 2024 opinion.
“While we acknowledge and respect the Supreme Court’s authority as the final arbiter of justice, the Unity Party Alliance expresses profound concern that the Court’s recent ruling, instead of resolving the impasse, has further complicated the situation,” the Alliance further noted. “If improperly enforced, the ruling threatens to paralyze governance, destabilize the Legislature, and potentially undermine national peace and progress.”
Standing Firmly with President Boakai’s Leadership
The UP-Alliance says it stands unwaveringly in its support for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., and commends his steadfast commitment to constitutional governance, separation of powers, and the rule of law.
“We echo the President’s call for national unity, responsible governance, and democratic integrity at this critical juncture,” asserted the party. “President Boakai’s administration has consistently demonstrated leadership grounded in dialogue, inclusiveness, and a vision for sustainable national development.”
According to them, the president’s commitment to respecting constitutional provisions, especially Article 33, which mandates that a simple majority constitutes a quorum for legislative business, is critical to ensuring that government remains functional for the Liberian people.
“We urge all Liberians, political actors, and institutions to rally behind President Boakai’s leadership to secure Liberia’s continued peace and development,” the UP said.
Raising Concern Over Judicial Overreach
The party said while it reaffirms its respect for the judiciary, “we must express grave concern over the Supreme Court’s April 23rd ruling. The Bill of Information filed by Representative Koffa was based on extrajudicial statements—not a formal, enforceable decision—and should not have been entertained by the Court. This is why even the final decision of the bill of information still didn’t mandate an enforceable action, which means the political question still remains to be determined by members of the House of Representatives.”
It also wondered how Chief Justice expects the government to enforce such an opinion when the very Court in its first ruling on this matter, accentuated that the Supreme Court cannot do what the legislature refused to do for itself.
“The Court’s decision has blurred the lines between judicial intervention and legislative independence, contrary to Part IV of the Court’s own procedural rules,” said the UP Alliance further. “Additionally, it is important to highlight that during the national budget hearings, the Supreme court endorsed the participation of the Judiciary’s financial team to advocate for a budgetary increase, under the leadership of a Speaker whom it and its allies now deem illegitimate.”
The party continued: “Following the passage of the national budget, the Chief Justice authorized an increase in her salary, restoring it to pre-harmonization levels, and approved retroactive payments of US$60,000 for the Chief Justice and US$40,000for each member of the Supreme Court bench.
“Furthermore, under the current fiscal year’s budget, the Judiciary has procured a fleet of vehicles to enhance its operational capacity. More troubling, the ruling risks invalidating critical legislative actions, including, the 2025 National Budget, civil servant salary increases, increment in salaries for health workers, including doctors, nurses, and medical consultants, health and Life insurance for police officers, World Bank loan agreements and other international financial agreements critical to national development that the Legislature ratified, and passed important legislation for the smooth operations of the government.”
The party said such retroactive invalidations would destabilize the state’s functioning, contrary to the Constitution’s commitment to a functional Legislature and Executive.
The UP-Alliance reaffirmed that President Boakai, under Article 33of the Constitution, must ensure that governance continues uninterrupted with a majority quorum in the House of Representatives.
The Executive cannot enforce any ruling that undermines constitutional governance or plunges the state into paralysis, as a cardinal function of the executive is to ensure the peace, security, and stability of the state and its people, the ruling party said.
Commitment to Peace, Democracy, and Rule of Law
The UP-Alliance urged all Liberians to remain vigilant against efforts to sow chaos and division. We call for calm, national unity, and constructive dialogue to resolve our political differences peacefully.
“We categorically reject any attempts to intimidate the government or derail Liberia’s development. Liberia’s future belongs to all Liberians, not to a few disgruntled politicians seeking to reverse our democratic gains,” said the ruling party.
“Until the Legislature fully resolves its internal disputes, the UP-Alliance will continue to recognize and do business with the duly constituted majority/quorum that ensures the smooth functioning of government,” it added. “In conclusion, the Unity Party Alliance calls upon all Liberians to rally around President Boakai’s leadership. We must reject reckless threats of chaos, safeguard democratic values, and remain committed to constitutional order.”
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