By Jerromie S. Walters
The noise about the removal of the Speaker of the 55th Legislature is becoming louder by the day as many continue to point fingers at those out and even in close proximity to him. However, he (Speaker Koffa) doesn’t seem to be so sure about this as he has repeatedly said he doesn’t think President Boakai will ever do such.
Amid this strong confidence in the President and those around him, they, including his Deputy have kept quiet about these allegations that include himself (Fallah). Sources at the House of Representatives have also hinted our legislative reporter about this plot.
Chapter five (V), article 49 of the 1986 constitution of the Republic of Liberia says the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House.
It states: “The House of Representatives shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers as shall ensure the proper functioning of the House. The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House.”
Speaker Koffa, a member of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), narrowly defeated the Unity Party-backed candidate Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon in the speakership election. Since his election, he has expressed a steadfast commitment to collaborate with the UP-led government to advance its legislative initiatives, such as approving the US$41 million special budget and advocating for a war and economic crimes court, among others.
Regardless, there have been unverified reports of the UP-led government financially inducing House members and covertly canvassing to attain the majority number to unseat the Speaker.
Following a meeting in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, in April of this year, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and top officials of his cabinet met with members of the Unity Party Alliance in the House of Representatives. Speculations arose that the gathering was intended to strategize on gaining majority support to remove the Speaker.
But in response to that, Speaker Koffa
appeared unbothered as he said he continues to enjoy the confidence of the majority of his colleagues. “In order for this government to work, the coordinate branches of government should work together. We all must work for a Liberian agenda, not a partisan one,” said Speaker Koffa. “I have extended and demonstrated to the executive branch that we are prepared to work on the Liberian agenda which is the ARREST agenda the people voted for. Beyond that, I cannot characterize what occurred in Bomi. But I can assure you that I continue to enjoy the confidence of the majority of my colleagues.”
Cole distances himself
In the heat of the speculations, regarding a supposed plan by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Representative Melvin Cole to oust Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Cole has firmly denied any involvement in such a scheme.
Representative Marvin Cole of Bong County District #3 has vehemently rejected accusations made by Staton Witherspoon, former CEO of Spoon FM Network, suggesting that he is part of a plot to remove Speaker Koffa from his position.
During a press conference, Cole expressed frustration at what he characterized as “baseless and defamatory” statements made against him, emphasizing that he has no intention of participating in any efforts to remove Speaker Koffa. He also questioned Witherspoon’s credibility, pointing out his history of spreading false information.
As the Chairman of the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration of the 55th House of Representatives, Cole reiterated his unwavering support for Speaker Koffa. He highlighted his role in supporting Koffa’s bid for the speakership and stated that he is committed to defending Koffa’s position.
The Bong County lawmaker also urged the public to scrutinize claims made by individuals with questionable backgrounds, referencing Witherspoon’s accusations. He emphasized his dedication to upholding the integrity of the speakership and dismissed any insinuations of his involvement in a plot to remove Speaker Koffa.
During a recent episode of Spoon Talk, Witherspoon alleged that Cole was a key figure in a plan to impeach Speaker Koffa.
The birth
Early January 2024, the Unity Party withdrew its Petition for Declaratory Judgment against the National Elections Commission (NEC) as first respondent and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, Grand Kru County Representative Fonati J Koffa as second respondent in which the UP wanted Speaker Koffa removed from the Legislature on account of allegations that he possesses Dual Citizenship.
But the ruling party somersaulted Wednesday, January 17, 2024, when its legal counsels issued a “Notice of Withdrawal” to the Civil Law Court undoing its legal action after massive criticisms from the pundits of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and other diaspora Liberians.
In a “Notice of Withdrawal” issued addressed to the Clerk of the Six Judicial Circuit Court, the Civil Law Court of Montserrado County, the lawyers of the Unity Party wrote, “You will please take judicial notice and spread upon the record of the Honorable Court that petitioners in the above titled case has on this date and day withdrawn its petition for Declaratory Judgment with reservation”.
Signed by four legal counselors for the party including Cllrs. Benedict K. Sagbeh, Moiffie Kanneh, Neto Zarzar Leigh, and J. Cole Bangalu, the party said in its notice of withdrawal that “for so doing this shall constitute your legal and sufficient authority in the premise.”
It can be recalled that the Unity Party, through its Chairman Luther Tarpeh and Secretary General Amos Tweh, filed a petition for Declaratory Judgment seeking the removal of Speaker Koffa from the National Legislature for dual citizenship amidst lousy criticisms.
