-Elects Rep. Bility As Its Head, Following Koffa’s recommendation
By Jerromie S. Walters
Nimba County Representative Musa Hassan Bility has been unanimously elected as the head of the 28-member bloc in the House of Representatives. This decision, recommended by Speaker Fonati Koffa, comes amid the impasse at the House of Representatives.
Tensions heightened on October 17, 2024, when 47 members of the 55th Legislature sought to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, citing misconduct and incompetence. On November 21, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon was controversially elected as the “new Speaker” of the 55th Legislature. However, several lawmakers branded Koon’s election as a fraudulent one.
Expressing his gratitude, Bility stated, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my colleagues for trusting me to lead during this crucial time in our nation’s history.” He acknowledged the immense challenges facing the leadership of the House, emphasizing his commitment to restoring normalcy and enabling every representative to effectively fulfill their constitutional duties.
“The burden placed on me by this responsibility is not lost on me, and I embrace it with commitment and resolve,” Bility said. He pledged to lead with integrity, listen to his colleagues, and work towards the collective goals of the House, prioritizing the needs of the Liberian people above individual interests.
Bility also reached out to members of the opposing block, urging them to reflect on the ongoing legislative impasse and its consequences for the citizens they represent. “While it is true that we, the 28 members, have not been able to attain quorum for regular legislative business, our colleagues have also struggled to gather the necessary numbers to remove the Speaker or reconstitute committees by legal requirements,” he noted.
He stressed that this stalemate should catalyze unity among lawmakers. “Our division is our weakness,” Billy remarked. “Let us turn this realization into strength by uniting to find common ground for the sake of our country.”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Bility called for a collective focus on the greater good of Liberia, stating, “Our primary oversight responsibility has been the most significant casualty during this crisis.” He pointed out that the executive branch has operated without necessary checks and balances for three months, leaving citizens vulnerable. “It is time to return to work, resolve our differences, and restore the integrity of this honorable body,” he urged.
Bility also called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Executive branch to engage sincerely with the legislature. “A crisis in one branch of government weakens the entire system. The people of Liberia deserve a government that works in harmony to address their needs and move the country forward,” he stated.
As he embarks on this leadership role, Bility emphasizes the importance of cooperation and patriotism among his colleagues. “I pledge to work tirelessly to find a solution without compromising the rule of law. But I cannot do it alone,” he said, appealing for unity in restoring democracy and public confidence in the government.
“The people of Liberia are watching and waiting. Let us not fail them,” Bility concluded, calling for a collaborative effort to build a stronger, united Liberia.
The self-styled “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives, through Bong County District 2 Representative James Kolleh, recently requested embattled Speaker Cllr. I. Fonati Koffa to vacate his office. They want the “newly elected” Speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon, to take over.
The communication warns that if Koffa does not leave, his belongings will be removed. This message was sent to Koffa via text by Kolleh, who is now the Chairman of Rules, Order & Administration. The text reads: “Happy New Year, Hon. Koffa, I hope you are doing well. Just a reminder about the office key. If you don’t, we might get your things outside. The speaker needs to prepare his office before our return.”
Despite the turmoil, Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa insists he remains the Speaker of the House. The Legislature is set to close on January 6, 2025, and will resume on January 13, 2025, for the first quarter of its second session. Representatives will gather in the chamber, where the Sergeant At-Arms will announce the sitting. The Speaker is expected to address his colleagues at the opening of the session.
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) will occur a week later, as mandated by Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution. This requires the President to present the administration’s legislative program to the nation through its Representatives and Senators on the fourth working Monday in January each year.
