Turmoil continues in Liberia’s parliament

Both sides of Liberia's divided House of Representatives are claiming victory in last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling about the month-long dispute over the speakership. One group of lawmakers, claiming to be the majority, elected a new speaker to replace the current speaker, J. Fonati Koffa. The group has accused Koffa of alleged conflict of interest, including his law firm representing some government agencies while he heads the House. Koffa has refused to step down on grounds that the actions of the majority bloc are unconstitutional. In its ruling last Friday, the Supreme Court avoided siding with one side or the other, saying that the legislature cannot have legal seating without the speaker and the majority. Embattled Speaker Koffa tells VOA’s James Butty, the court decision is a victory for him and the rule of law.