Monrovia, Liberia —
Following the landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia affirming the constitutional legitimacy of the leadership of the House of Representatives under Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Senator Amara M. Konneh issues the following statement:
“As a Senator of the Republic of Liberia, representing the great people of Gbarpolu County, I welcome the clarity provided by the Supreme Court in resolving the legal disputes surrounding the recent leadership challenges within the House of Representatives. The Court has ruled decisively that all actions undertaken outside the constitutional framework, and without the presence of the duly elected Speaker, were unconstitutional. This ruling must be respected and fully implemented without delay or hesitation.
In every democracy, the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of justice. Its decisions are binding. Even if we personally or politically disagree with the outcome of a particular case, we have a civil and legal obligation to honor the Court’s ruling. We cannot and must not insinuate — whether through words or deeds — that we intend to disregard the ruling of the Court. To do so invites lawlessness and jeopardizes the very foundations of our democracy. When we begin to implement the judiciary’s decisions selectively, we no longer have a functioning country.
The Supreme Court’s decision has fully and finally resolved the legal and constitutional questions surrounding this matter. Unless and until the Court reverses its decision in its wisdom and according to due process, there should be no further dispute on the legal aspects of this situation.
However, we recognize that political and societal tensions remain beyond legal resolution. It is, therefore, imperative that credible institutions, especially our respected religious and civil society bodies—such as the Inter-Faith Religious Council, which has played historic roles in resolving some of our nation’s most contentious crises—step forward once again to help mediate and heal lingering political divisions.
As a Senator, I want Liberia’s democracy anchored firmly on the rule of law, respect for our institutions, and an abiding commitment to peace and unity. Disagreement is natural in a democracy; disrespect for the law is not. I call on all leaders across political divides to act with restraint, responsibility, and a profound sense of patriotism.
We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to uphold the rule of law. Liberia must always be bigger than any individual ambition or factional interest.”
Office of Senator Amara M. Konneh, Liberian Senate, Capitol Hill, Monrovia
