…Mo Ali denies claims of sponsoring speaker Koffa’s removal
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
Managing Director of the Liberia Water and Sewage Cooperation, Mohammed Ali, has distanced himself from allegations linking him to being one of the sponsors of the illegal process to remove the Speaker of the 55th National Legislature, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
Bong County Representative, Hon. Marvin Cole, on the Spoon Talk on October 17, 2024, linked the LWSC managing director as one of those who provided financial support for efforts to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa. Meanwhile, in response, Ali intimated that the claim was baseless and that he had never possessed such an amount in his lifetime. Neither did the money come from LWSC.
“If you are suggesting that the funds were personal, such a claim is baseless, as I have never possessed such an amount in my lifetime. If, on the other hand, you are implying that the money came from LWSC, then it is clear that you have no knowledge of the rigorous financial processes and controls in place at LWSC, making such misuse impossible.”
He added that the accusation lacks clarity regarding whether the alleged money was personal or from the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC). It can be recalled that on Thursday, October 12, 2024, a shocking video circulated on social media suggested 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.
The video ignited speculation initially alleging that the fight to remove the Speaker was sponsored by Vice President Jeremiah Kung and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah as the sore sponsors of the endeavor. But Hon. Marvin Cole contended that the LWSC managing director was one of those who provided financial support for efforts to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa.
However, Ali intimated the removal of Speaker Koffa serves no personal interests and said the allegation much less justified an unnecessary expenditure. “Secondly, even hypothetically assuming I had access to the alleged amount, why would I choose to invest it in a process that offers no personal or familial benefit? I fail to see how the removal of Speaker Koffa would serve my interests, much less justify such an unnecessary expenditure.”
At the same time, he urged legislators to take on a duty to act with integrity and responsibility, not only to themselves but also to the people of Liberia and the nation as a whole. He asserted that making serious allegations of this nature requires substantial evidence to support claims. Therefore, challenge Honorable Cole to present evidence that he provided any financial support toward the alleged plot to remove Speaker Koffa.
“As a legislator, you must act with integrity and responsibility, not only to yourself but also to the people you serve and the nation as a whole. Making serious allegations of this nature requires substantial evidence to support your claims. Therefore, I publicly challenge you to present evidence that I provided any financial support toward the alleged plot to remove Speaker Koffa.”
In furtherance, he added, “It is imperative that lawmakers refrain from making reckless accusations. As a public servant, I urge you to conduct yourself truthfully and professionally in your words and actions. Baseless accusations, such as the one you have made, undermine public trust in the legislature and do not serve the interests of the Liberian people.”
