Supreme Court Justice in Chambers Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has declined to issue a writ of prohibition against a group of lawmakers who have been boycotting sessions in their efforts to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa.
This decision marks a critical moment in the tensions between the Speaker and a faction challenging his authority.
“By directive of His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr., Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby informed that the Justice has declined to issue the writ prayed for. Meanwhile, the stay order of October 25, 2024, is hereby lifted,” Justice Gbeisay’s ruling, conveyed by Supreme Court Clerk Cllr. Sam Mankilu, stated.
Speaker Koffa had requested the issuance of the writ to compel the dissenting lawmakers to return to session, but his request has been denied.
This follows an earlier imposition of a writ that the rebelling lawmakers did not adhere to, leading to heightened tensions between the legislative factions.
Justice Gbeisay emphasized to lawmakers the importance of due process, the fundamental requirement in Liberia’s jurisprudence
during a conference with the parties. The so-called majority bloc subsequently agreed to uphold due process in future sessions.
As tensions mount and strategies are reevaluated, the leadership dispute appears to be reaching a decisive moment in the coming days as government’s paralysis looms.
