-Bribery shows its ugly face in 55th Speakership election
By Jerromie S. Walters
Allegations have emerged linking Liberia’s President-elect, Joseph Nyuma Boakai to an act of dishing out substantial sums of money to lawmakers to secure their support for his chosen candidate, Representative Richard N. Koon, in the upcoming speakership election of the 55th legislature of the House of Representatives of Liberia.
Elections for the Pro tempore, Speaker, and Deputy Speakership of the 55th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024. At the level of the House of Representatives, Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard N. Koon of the Unity Party (UP) is expected to face current House Deputy Speaker, J. Fonati Koffa of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), in the Speakership election.
As it remains a known fact, the Executive has always been efficient in doing what it can to secure the seat, as it is believed that a Speaker who’s a product of the opposition might not easily concur with the Executive’s interest.
With this, it is speculated that the President-elect has assured an impressive financial reward for those who will support his candidate (Representative Koon) in the pending election.
A few days ago, President-elect Joseph Boakai invited all members of the House of Representatives to his Rehab residence for a meeting. The meeting was held amid speculation that the President-elect also allegedly threatened members of the House, that they would not receive any development funds for their districts if they fail to vote for Rep. Koon.
It is also speculated that President-elect Boakai further threatened that he would deny lawmakers access to him if they do not vote for Rep. Koon as Speaker. Following the meeting, it was reported that the President-elect shook the lawmakers‘ hands with an awesome envelope. With these kinds of interventions, it doesn’t require a political scientist to confirm that the lawmakers might go Koon’s way, as a lot of them are already known for seeking their aggrandizement above the actuality.
Amid these allegations, Grand Kru County District #1 Representative has disclosed that the President-elect allegedly promised each of the 73 legislators a whopping twenty-five thousand United States dollars to support their respective districts. This offer was made after a meeting where Mr. Boakai requested the lawmakers’ support for his candidate, Representative Richard Koon. While the Grand Kru County Representative does not perceive the gesture as bribery, critics, including the outgoing Montserrado County District#8 Representative have argued that it amounts to early bribery initiated by the President-elect himself.
Bahway: “I was there when the old man made it clear that he will be giving twenty-five thousand to each individual so that they will see a reason to support their districts because district dwellers will be coming to Montovia and some will be going back so you are there to serve them.”
He made the disclosure when he spoke to the press Thursday, January 11, 2024, on his support to Richard Koon for the House speakership of the House of Representatives of the 55th National Legislature. Bahway: “I have not received it but I will receive it. I don’t think it’s a bribe, he only spoke about it.”
Considering Liberia’s record of governance, corruption and a disregard for democratic principles have plagued the nation’s political landscape for years, and these fresh allegations only serve to compound the mistrust and suspicion among the citizenry.
However, it appears unfortunate that these very acts that promoted Liberians’ decision to vote President Weag out, are at a very early stage being manifested by the President-elect.
Critics say bribery, in any form, undermines the fundamental principles of democracy and erodes public trust in the political process. “Liberia, like many other developing nations, has been working to strengthen its institutions and combat corruption. However, allegations such as these undermine progress and cast doubt on the integrity of the new government before it even assumes office.”
On the other hand, Political pundits have dragged these allegations on the fact that
it has the proclivity to cast a shadow over the pending speakership election and as an early reminder of the challenges Liberians faced five years ago.
Controversial Bahway and Koffa’s edge
Grand Kru District#1 Representative Nathaniel Bahway appears unstable in his support of a candidate in the pending Speakership election.
Bahway who a few days ago supported his native brother, Cllr J Fonati Koffa, on Thursday disclosed that he now supports the political bid of Representative Richard Koon.
As it stands, Cllr. Koffa remains in a better position for the Speakership As his quest for the post has been overwhelmingly embraced by his party (CDC), his colleagues at the legislature, and ordinary Liberians. He has been endorsed by the majority block of the legislature.
Over 40 Legislators up Capitol Hill acknowledged in their recent resolution (endorsement) that Cllr. Koffa remains the best candidate for the post, considering that he is an expert in the legislature, both in leadership and as an ordinary legislator.
