Monrovia – Heated tensions erupted within the House of Representatives on Tuesday as members of the Majority Bloc condemned Civil Law Court Judge George Smith for issuing a summons against Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon. The summons, tied to allegations of impersonation, has led some lawmakers to call for Judge Smith’s impeachment, accusing him of overstepping his judicial authority.

Judge Smith’s action stems from a lawsuit filed by supporters of embattled former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, who contest Koon’s legitimacy as Speaker. They argue that Koon’s ascension to the role violated constitutional and procedural rules, rendering his actions as Speaker unlawful.

The Case Against Koon

The petitioners, aligned with Koffa, claim that Koon’s installation as Speaker undermined Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, which governs the election and removal of legislative leaders.

“We are bona fide members of the Honorable House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, duly elected under Article 30(a) of the 1986 Constitution,” they asserted. The group maintains that Koffa’s removal was unconstitutional and that proper legislative procedures were ignored.

Calling for the nullification of Koon’s leadership, the Minority Bloc demands the restoration of Koffa as Speaker, arguing that the legislature’s integrity depends on adherence to constitutional and standing rules.

Majority Bloc Defends Speaker Koon

In response, the Majority Bloc insists that Koon’s leadership is legitimate and that Koffa’s removal was conducted in accordance with the House’s rules. They argue that Judge Smith’s involvement in the matter constitutes an infringement on the legislature’s independence.

“This is gross disrespect to the legislature and its internal processes,” a Majority Bloc member stated, emphasizing the judiciary’s lack of jurisdiction over legislative affairs.

Calls for Judge Smith’s Impeachment

Judge Smith’s decision to summon Koon has sparked outrage among the Majority Bloc, with several members accusing the judiciary of overreach and calling for Smith’s impeachment.

“Judge Smith’s actions are a clear overstep and an attempt to interfere in legislative matters,” said one legislator. “We cannot allow the judiciary to dictate how the legislature conducts its affairs.”

Rep. Jeremiah Sokan warned that if Judge Smith continues to “meddle in political activities,” the House may pursue impeachment proceedings against him.

A Deepening Divide

The dispute over the Speaker’s position has further fractured the House of Representatives, intensifying divisions between the Majority and Minority Blocs. While the Majority Bloc defends Koon’s leadership, the Minority Bloc remains committed to challenging his legitimacy through the courts.

The unfolding legal and political conflict underscores the escalating tensions between Liberia’s legislative and judicial branches, raising broader concerns about the separation of powers and the stability of governance.

With no resolution in sight, the controversy threatens to undermine public confidence in the country’s political institutions and exacerbate the already fragile state of Liberia’s legislature.