‘We Will Continue to Work with the Quorum’ -Boakai Reacts to High Court Ruling, Seemingly Shrugging it

MONROVIA – The President of the Republic, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has issued his government’s official response to the Wednesday, April 23 ruling in the protracted House of Representatives power struggle, essentially negating the edict of the Supreme Court, and upholding the administration’s consistent stance supporting the ‘majority bloc’ despite public outcries against the “power grab” by the bloc. Though the High Court played its fiduciary responsibility, interpreting the Constitution, and affirming the legitimacy of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, the president says he is inclined to work with the “majority bloc”. The Analyst reports. 

President Joseph Boakai has declared that his government would work with “the quorum that will ensure the full functioning of our government”.

This reaction is in sharp contrast to the edict of the Supreme Court delivered Wednesday, April 23, which declared as ultra vires and unconstitutional the sitting of the “quorum”, the “majority bloc”, of the House of Representatives in the absence of the elected Speaker, Grand Kru representative J. Fonati Koffa.

“Fellow Liberians, our Constitution and the Supreme Court have defined what constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business in the Legislature,” he President said. “We intend to vigorously uphold this vital principle of our constitutional democracy. We will continue to work with the quorum that will ensure the full functioning of our government.”

He acknowledged that the Supreme Court of Liberia, “our nation’s highest arbiter of justice, delivered its ruling on the Bill of Information relating to the ongoing impasse in the House of Representatives. As President of the Republic, I acknowledge the ruling of the Supreme Court. However, we must all note that the House of Representatives’ problem remains unresolved.”

Accordingly, he said, his government has already initiated broad consultations with relevant national stakeholders to determine the most appropriate and constitutionally sound path forward.

“We have actively involved our traditional and other national leaders in addressing this matter,” he said further. “In doing so, we remain fully committed to preserving the sanctity of our democracy and the principle of three separate but coordinate branches of government.”

Boakai recalled that over the past months, Liberians have watched with growing concern as the division in the House of Representatives remained unresolved, undermining public confidence in one of the nation’s most vital democratic institutions.

“Tragically, we have also witnessed the torching of the Capitol Building, a national symbol of our democracy, by arsonists intent on sowing chaos and discord. Today, we received a report of acts of vandalism intended to desecrate the dignity of our public institutions and buildings. The Police are investigating,” the President said, adding: “Let me be clear: under my leadership, the government of Liberia will not be held hostage by narrow interests or acts of lawlessness. The work of governance will continue, and nothing will distract us from our duty to serve the Liberian people.”

As if ironically, he noted: “We are a country governed by laws, not by mobs or self-serving ambition. Those who undermine peace, violate the law, or seek to disrupt national harmony will face the full force of the law and justice.”

The president called on citizen go about their daily lives peacefully and confidently.

“Your government remains functional and steadfast in its responsibility to deliver services, maintain order, and uphold the values of democracy and good governance,” he asserted, calling on every elected leader to remember their oath, not to themselves, but to the Liberian nation-state and people.

“I call on every citizen to rise above division and to demonstrate the enduring values of patriotism, unity, and national purpose,” the president continued, stating that as they seek a political resolution to the impasse, he wants citizens to do with calm heads and committed hearts, ever mindful that Liberia is bigger than any one person, party, or position.

“We will protect our democracy. We will preserve our peace. And together, we will move Liberia forward,” he the head of state said.