By Precious D. Freeman
A growing chorus of public dissatisfaction echoed through the streets of Monrovia, as ordinary citizens reacted with concern and frustration to ongoing tensions within the House of Representatives following a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
The judgment, which invalidated the election of Representative Richard Koon as Speaker, has sparked political turmoil—and now, public outrage.
In interviews conducted along Broad Street, many Liberians expressed alarm that elected officials appear to be prioritizing their personal ambitions over the democratic and legal structures of the nation.
Among them was a local businesswoman, only identified as Ma Wata, who described the conduct of lawmakers as driven by “power grief,” a local term denoting unchecked lust for authority.
“We put them there to represent us,” Ma Wata said passionately. “But it’s like they forget about the people. They doing things for themselves now. The Supreme Court is the final authority. How can you challenge the ruling unless you think you bigger than the law?”
Her comments underscore a sentiment shared by many—that the actions of Koon and his supporters not only defy the Supreme Court’s authority, but also jeopardize Liberia’s fragile peace and democratic gains.
The Supreme Court’s decision, delivered earlier this month, struck down the election of Koon as Speaker, deeming the move unconstitutional and illegitimate.
The ruling clarified that only the Speaker or, in their absence, the Deputy Speaker, has the legal authority to preside over the House.
Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, whose position had never been vacated or compromised, remains the rightful leader, according to the justices.
“This Court emphatically declares that it is within the power and authority of the Supreme Court of Liberia to say what the law is without fear or favor,” the opinion read, adding that the so-called ‘majority’ led by Koon had acted beyond their constitutional powers.
For many Liberians, including street vendors, market women, and taxi drivers, the ruling was a welcome affirmation of the rule of law. But their joy has quickly turned into anxiety as the lawmakers at the center of the dispute appear reluctant to comply with the decision.
A socks vendor who gave his name only as James echoed this concern, urging national leaders to put aside their egos and work toward unity.
“The ruling was fair. Koon and the rest of them should respect it and let’s move on,” he said. “This country need peace, not more confusion. Violence should never be the next step.”
Other citizens interviewed shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that Liberia has experienced too many political crises to tolerate another drawn-out leadership dispute.
They said the stability of the nation must take precedence over internal political games.
“The law is the law,” said an elderly man seated near a roadside tea stall. “Once the Supreme Court speaks, that’s final. That’s what keeps the country from falling into chaos.”
Critics of the “majority bloc” argue that their ongoing defiance of the Supreme Court’s ruling not only undermines constitutional governance but also sends a dangerous message to future leaders—that rules can be bent or ignored when power is at stake.
Civil society organizations have also begun to weigh in, calling for swift compliance with the court’s decision and warning that any delay could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
As the political drama continues to unfold within the Capitol Building, the people of Liberia are watching closely, many hoping that their leaders will act with wisdom, humility, and respect for the rule of law.
For now, however, the message from the streets is clear: the country is tired of political power plays, and citizens want their voices and the authority of the judiciary respected.
