-Senator Konneh Encourages Speaker Koffa to Resign
By Jerromie S. Walters
As the Senate and Executive endorse the self-styled “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has called on embattled House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa to step aside from the speakership, and urged a shift in focus towards the pressing needs of the nation. Senator Konneh’s comments come after more than two months of legislative stagnation, which he attributes to ongoing power struggles and personal interests that have hindered the passage of critical legislation.
“I came to the Legislature this year fueled by a commitment to work with my colleagues to uplift families across the country, particularly in Gbarpolu County,” Konneh stated. “Yet, after 11 months, we find ourselves caught in a struggle over the Speaker’s position and control of the national budget, which has stalled our progress from the very start.”
The senator expressed his dismay at the dysfunction within the Legislature, which he believes has prevented them from embarking on crucial work in the new government. He emphasized that the slow pace of the Executive Branch has compounded these challenges, leaving important legislative initiatives in limbo.
With the recent Attorney General’s opinion clarifying the Supreme Court’s judgment on the impasse in the House of Representatives, Konneh highlighted the need for decisive action. He questioned, “Where is our President?” and called for unity among lawmakers to address the pressing issues facing the country.
Senator Konneh also reflected on the Senate’s recognition of the “Majority Bloc,” expressing hope that Pro Temp Kanga-Lawrence would navigate this matter with the same diligence she applied to the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC). He praised the collaborative approach taken during that resolution, which underlined the importance of due diligence and adherence to the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
Pleading with Koffa
In a direct appeal to Speaker Koffa, Konneh stated, “Stepping aside for the betterment of our beloved country will be a profound act of leadership.” He acknowledged Koffa’s commendable service as a centrist opposition Speaker but asserted that the Liberian people deserve a leader who can unite the Legislature behind a cohesive agenda focused on their needs rather than personal ambitions.
Sen. Konneh: “Now, we must unite and rally behind the president’s development agenda to propel our nation forward by passing a credible budget that gives him spending authority,” Konneh urged. “This is not about winning or losing. We are leaders of the 8th poorest country in the world, and all three branches of government must operate cohesively to foster shared prosperity for our people.”
Is Resignation on Koffa’s Mind?
In a statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the House of Representatives impasse last week Friday, House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa disclosed that in the next few days, he would consider the need for his transition, as he also goes about reaching out to encourage his colleagues to return to work.
This phrase “contemplate my transition,”
in Koffa’s statement left many wondering if this signals an impending resignation or a shift in his political trajectory. He noted via his official Facebook page: “We celebrate victory, not of a bloc, but of a democracy embedded in the rule of law. In the next few days, I will be reaching across the aisle to encourage my colleagues to return to work, do the Liberian people’s business, restructure the house, and contemplate my transition. To God be the Glory.”
Resignation is not an option”
On October 23, 2024, House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa vowed not to resign, amid strives by over forty lawmakers from the House of Representatives to ensure his removal.
The conflict within the House of Representatives of the 55th National Legislature took a more serious trend Tuesday, October 22, 2024, as pro and anti-Koffa factions convened separate sessions, but the majority bloc concluded with a decision to summon the Deputy Speaker and others, a move that is capable of undermining Koffa’s presence in the post, especially if the majority remains tight up to next week.
