-Legislative Caucus Mobilizes Members To Support Speaker Koffa, but…
By Jerromie S. Walters
Liberia — In a statement to members of the Southeastern Legislative Caucus, particularly those from the House of Representatives, Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, Acting Chair of the Caucus, accentuated the critical moment facing the southeastern region of Liberia. The senator expressed deep concern over the current turmoil within the House of Representatives, which he believes poses a significant threat to the region’s representation in the governance of the country.
Senator Bartekwa highlighted the aftermath of the 2023 general and presidential elections, which saw the departure of numerous senior government officials from the southeastern region, including former President George Manneh Weah, former Speaker Chambers, former President Pro Tempore Albert Tugbe Chie, and former Deputy Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. He noted that this mass exodus has left a void in leadership that is particularly alarming for the southeastern constituency.
In a moment of ease for the region, Senator Bartekwa pointed to the election of Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the 55th Legislature, a position that represents a significant achievement for the southeastern region, placing Koffa in the third-highest office in the government. However, the senator expressed shock and dismay at the threats facing Koffa amid the ongoing crisis in the House.
As the acting head of the leadership of the regional Caucus, Senator Bartekwa appealed to all members of the House of Representatives, especially those in opposition to Speaker Koffa. He urged them to reconsider their decisions and to come together in support of their regional representative. “You may all have your reasons that led to your actions,” Bartekwa acknowledged, “but I humbly urge you to remember that there is no perfect person on the face of the earth.”
Members of the Southeastern Legislative Caucus from the House of Representatives comprise 15 legislators out of the 73 members of the House of Representatives. With this, he invoked the adage, “blood is thicker than water,” reminding his colleagues that Koffa is not just a leader but a member of their extended family. “We can rescue a child from danger before we chastise them,” he stated. However, some members of the Caucus, including Marie Johnson, Grand Gedeh County District #2 Representative, are among those who have signed the resolution for Speaker Koffa’s removal.
Senator Bartekwa further questioned the implications of Koffa’s potential removal from office, asking, “If Koffa is removed, who will we have at the top levels of government?” He reiterated the need for collaboration, stating, “Please reconsider your decision and reunite with the Speaker. We assure you that we will engage with him to address any concerns you may have.”
Furthermore, the senator reminded his colleagues that while family ties can be strained, they should never be broken. He affirmed the commitment of the Southeastern Legislative Caucus to continue engaging with all members of the House to foster unity and collaboration for the betterment of the region. The six counties in Liberia’s south-eastern region are Maryland, Grand Kru, River Gee, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, and River Cess counties.
The 15 legislators from the region include Jeremiah Garwo Sokan Sr, Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative, Marie Johnson, Grand Gedeh County District #2 Representative, Nathaniel N. Bahway Sr. Grand Kru County District #1 Representative, J. Fonati Koffa, Grand Kru County District #2 Representative, Mike P. Jury, Maryland County, District #1 Representative, Anthony F. Williams, Maryland County, District #2 Representative, and Austin Blidi Taylor, Maryland County, District #3 Representative.
Others are Alexander Poure, River Gee County, District #1 Representative, Isaac B. Choloplay Wuo, River Gee County, District #2 Representative, Johnson S. N. Williams Sr., River Gee County, District #3 Representative, Alex J. Grant, Rivercess County District #1 Representative, Steve Tequah, Rivercess County District #2 Representative, Thomas Romeo Quioh, Sinoe County District #1 Representative, Samson Quejue Wiah, Sinoe County District #2 Representative, and Alex S. Noah, Sinoe County District #3 Representative.
Unbending in their quest:
During a press conference on Sunday, October 20, 2024, the opposition bloc to Koffa’s leadership emphasized that their decision remains unbending and is backed by what they described as his (Speaker Koffa’s) failure to discharge his official duties in a manner that is fair, proper and impartial.
A vivid representation of lawmakers from the House of Representatives present during the press conference displayed an attendance of 38 legislators. The bloc claimed that it currently has 42 members. They have also called for investigation into report of bribery in the process.
According to Chapter Five, Article 49 of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other elected officers can be removed from office for cause by a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority of the House members.
Howbeit, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa arrived in Liberia on Sunday and is scheduled to address a press conference at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 21, 2024, with legislative reporters up Capitol Hill.
The resolution:
It can be referenced that some 47 members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, October 17, 2024, read a resolution to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position at the grounds of the Legislature. In the resolution, the legislators cited multiple allegations of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and administrative incompetence.
The resolution references Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 9.1 of the House’s Rules and Procedures, which allow for the removal of the Speaker for cause. The resolution accuses Koffa of holding multiple positions as a consultant and lawyer for various government agencies and private companies, including the Liberia Petroleum and Refining Corporation and the Central Bank of Liberia.
Under Misrepresentation in ECOWAS Parliament, Koffa is accused of submitting a list of representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament without conducting a proper election, misleading both the Liberian public and the ECOWAS body. His actions reportedly contravene the ECOWAS Protocol, which mandates that representatives be elected by direct universal suffrage.
The 47 lawmakers, in their resolution, accuse Koffa of Overspending and Financial Mismanagement: During his tenure as Deputy Speaker, the resolution says Koffa allegedly overspent his budget by over $2.9 million, raising suspicions of systemic corruption. The resolution cites this financial mismanagement as damaging to the credibility of the House.
Another count, Alteration of the National Budget, accuses the Speaker of altering the National Budget. Count five, Unilateral Changes in House Structure, accuses Koffa of creating new committees and merging departments without the approval of the House, violating established rules, and undermining the legislative process.
Moreover, in count six, which is tagged Criminal Background, the resolution highlights Koffa’s prior conviction for embezzlement while serving as Town Manager in North Carolina, where he was disbarred and is currently fulfilling community service obligations. Following their presentation, the representatives have scheduled a new election for the speakership to take place next Thursday.
Outdoor resolution insufficient:
However, the reading of the resolution by the majority bloc outside the chambers does not fully satisfy the formal removal of the Speaker. The House rule says the entire process must take place during an official session, where the resolution is included on the session’s agenda. The resolution should be read within the session, followed by the application of due process.
Subsequently, a vote must be taken. A simple majority vote conducted during the session will determine whether the Speaker is removed or retained. This has led to more lobbying and consultation from both sides to ensure that they have the needed number comes Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Financially inducing lawmakers:
Reports emerged early Thursday revealing a troubling scheme reportedly orchestrated by the ruling establishment to remove House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Representative Luther Collins from Gbarpolu County publicly disclosed that he received an initial payment of $15,000 as part of this controversial effort to secure support for Koffa’s ousting.
Earlier on Thursday, in an interview, Representative Collins indicated that an additional $10,000 would be disbursed contingent upon the successful execution of the plan. This scandal has drawn attention not only to the allegations of bribery but also to the significant involvement of female legislators in the House of Representatives.
