– 47 Lawmakers Allegedly Paid to Oust Speaker
A shocking video circulating on social media suggests that 47 members of Liberia’s House of Representatives have each received a bribe of $15,000 to support the removal of Speaker Fonati Koffa of the 55th National Legislature. This revelation has ignited a political firestorm in the country, highlighting deep-seated tensions and allegations of corruption within the government.
Sources from Capitol Hill indicate that the plot to unseat Speaker Koffa is allegedly orchestrated by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Vice President Jeremiah Koung. The Speaker is being accused of providing legal services to concessioners in Liberia, which his opponents argue constitutes a conflict of interest.
Under the Liberian Constitution, a two-thirds majority of the 73-member House of Representatives is required to pass a resolution to remove a sitting Speaker. With 47 members reportedly bribed, the plotters are dangerously close to achieving their goal.
Both Speaker Koffa and Deputy Speaker Fallah are prominent members of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the party of former President George Weah. The alleged involvement of high-ranking officials within the CDC has caused significant internal strife, with party members expressing outrage over Deputy Speaker Fallah’s purported role in the conspiracy.
Former President George Weah has vehemently condemned the bribery allegations, describing them as “criminal” and “an affront to Democracy.” In his statement, Weah called for a thorough investigation into the matter and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Deputy Speaker Fallah has denied any involvement in the bribery scheme. However, the damage to his reputation and the integrity of the House of Representatives is already substantial. The scandal has cast a shadow over the CDC, further complicating the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
Speaker Koffa, currently on national duty with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in Rome, Italy, has yet to comment on the unfolding situation. His absence from the country during this critical period adds another layer of complexity to the crisis.
As the nation awaits further developments, the bribery scandal underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in Liberia’s political system. The eyes of the world are now on Liberia, watching how its leaders address this grave challenge to their democracy.
