MONROVIA – In their first session since the eight months legislative leadership fracas that brought the Legislature on its knees, the Plenary of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 voted overwhelmingly to lift the suspensions of 16 lawmakers, ending one of the most contentious chapters in the Legislature’s recent history.
The motion, introduced by Bong County Representative James Kolleh, passed with 35 votes in favor, zero against, and no abstentions—a rare show of consensus after months of bitter division. The reinstatements come weeks after Liberia’s Supreme Court ruled that key actions by the House’s majority bloc violated constitutional procedures.
It can be recalled, the suspensions, which began in late 2024, paralyzed legislative business and deprived thousands of citizens of representation. Critics accused the Majority Bloc, led by Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Koon, of weaponizing disciplinary rules to sideline opposition voices.
During the leadership dispute, 16 of the 73 lawmakers were suspended, marking one of the most turbulent periods in Liberia’s legislative history. The suspensions—largely targeting the minority bloc—left thousands of constituents without representation and intensified political divisions.
December 13, 2024: Reps. Frank Saah Foko Jr., Eugene K.M. Kollie, Zinnah Norman, and Alex S. Noah were suspended for 30 session days under Rule 48.7(c) for alleged violations, forfeiting salaries and benefits.
November 19, 2024: Reps. Edward P. Flomo, Abu Kamara, and Marvin Cole were suspended for misconduct. Flomo and Cole later had suspensions extended after being seen near the Capitol during their penalties.
The suspension did not stop there as vocal critics, including Rep. Yekeh Kolubah and former Speaker Koffa, were suspended for “persistent absences” under House Rule 21.1b. Others suspended included Reps. Dixon Seboe, Musa Bility, and Luther Collins.
The Majority Bloc, led by Rep. Koon, also restructured House leadership, authorized forceful treatment of lawmakers, and reportedly ordered the breaking into Rep. Kolubah’s vehicle.
The lifting of the suspension of 16 lawmakers by their colleagues through Plenary has been described by political pundits as a step toward reuniting the House of Representatives after nearly eight months of legislative bickering over leadership.
Liberians now await anxiously as members of the House of Representatives go to the poll to elect a new Speaker following the resignation of the Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 12 noon.
