-Is Fallah Liberia’s Brutus?
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Amid the ongoing fight at the House of Representatives to oust House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah on Thursday, October 31, 2024, revealed his decision to join colleagues who have raised grievances against Speaker Koffa, stating that their concerns represent the majority of lawmakers in the House and cannot be overlooked. “My decision to join the call for resolving this deadlock is not a repudiation of my support for Speaker Koffa or the CDC. Instead, it is a demonstration of my unwavering commitment to our democracy, which must transcend any one individual or faction,” he explained.
Despite navigating a complex political landscape, Fallah assured Liberians and CDC members that he had consulted widely before making his decision. “In my nineteen years with the CDC, I have NEVER betrayed my party, and I do not intend to do so now,” he affirmed.
He clarified that he did not play a part in organizing the lawmakers calling for Speaker Koffa’s removal but felt compelled to listen to their concerns in accordance with the Rules and Procedures of the House and the Liberian Constitution. “It is not a choice against my party or the Speaker, whom I continue to respect and support. I cannot ignore my responsibility to act when the legislative body is at a standstill, and the functioning of the national government is at risk,” he stated.
Fallah urged Speaker Koffa and his colleagues to engage in open dialogue to restore unity within the House. “This is not a time for division or suspicion but a moment for us to reaffirm our shared commitment to the people of Liberia,” he said, calling for collaboration to uphold the principles they are sworn to protect and restore the dignity of the People’s House for the benefit of all Liberians.
Meanwhile, he reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the trust of the Liberian people amid ongoing efforts to oust Speaker J. FonatiKoffa. His remarks come at a critical time when the House of Representatives faces significant internal challenges that threaten its functionality and the democratic foundation of the country.
“As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a proud member of the CDC, I am deeply committed to upholding our party’s principles and the trust of the Liberian people,” Fallah stated. He emphasized his loyalty to the shared values of the party and his steadfast support for Speaker Koffa, who he praised for his long-standing dedication to the nation.
Fallah acknowledged the serious challenges currently facing the House, noting that the inability to convene as a unified body undermines the democratic principles upon which Liberia was founded. “As the elected lawmaker of Electoral District #1 (Foya Statutory District), Lofa County, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, I consider it my duty to safeguard that foundation by ensuring a transparent, effective, and wholesome functioning Legislature,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, In a recent statement following Fallah’s decision, Janga Kowo, Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), condemned his actions against Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Kowo asserted that Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and other CDC lawmakers have disobeyed both the CDC National Executive Committee and President George Manneh Weah, and suggested their behavior has been influenced by the opposition Unity Party (UP) in an attempt to destabilize the CDC.
“The actions of these individuals are clearly orchestrated to undermine our party and its leadership,” Kowo stated. “However, we are confident that these schemes will ultimately fail, and the CDC will emerge stronger than ever.” Kowodescribed the situation as indicative of a broader threat to democracy in Liberia. He expressed concern over what he perceives as an overreaching executive branch that undermines the functions of the legislative and judicial branches, thereby eroding the essential checks and balances that uphold democratic governance.
Kowo further criticized the UP government for its alleged undemocratic practices, citing violations of human rights, disregard for Supreme Court rulings, and arbitrary dismissals of civil servants. He emphasized the need for a national dialogue to enhance the authority of political parties over their elected representatives in the National Legislature, noting that current practices allow legislators to operate with significant autonomy, often to the detriment of party cohesion.
“The CDC will be considering its next steps in response to these developments,” Kowo announced, urging party members to remain calm and united as the leadership consults with stakeholders on the way forward.
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.
