– Says Paper accuses her of taking 15k bribe
Monrovia, Liberia – October 22, 2024: A legal storm is brewing as Honorable Rugie Barry, the Representative for Electoral District Number #1 Montserrado County, has instructed her legal counsel, Justice Advocate and Partners, to address allegations published by the Womenvoices Newspaper. The controversy centers around allegations made in the newspaper’s October 18 and October 21 editions, which asserted that Barry allegedly accepted a $15,000 bribe to support the removal of the Speaker.
In a stern letter addressed to the publisher, Madam Helen Nah Sammie of Womenvoices Newspaper, Barry’s legal representatives have lambasted the allegations as unfounded and damaging. They argue that these claims have tarnished her reputation both locally and internationally, leading to significant personal and professional distress. The letter highlights that Barry was not allowed to respond to the allegations before publication, which further exacerbates the matter.
“Our client denies the allegation of receiving a bribe to remove the Speaker, and the same came as a surprise to her as your paper did not allow her to give her side of the story,” reads the letter. Barry’s legal team insists that the publications have caused her great embarrassment, noting an influx of concerned calls from friends and relatives around the world.
Seeking to avoid immediate litigation, Justice Advocate and Partners have requested a conference with the newspaper’s publisher on October 25, 2024, at their offices on 18th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia. The meeting aims to discuss a peaceful resolution to the dispute. Nevertheless, the letter makes it clear that if the invitation is not honored, Barry is prepared to pursue legal action.
“If you decide not to honor our invitation, we will take it that you are not interested in the peaceful resolution of this matter then and in the case, we will be constrained, as directed by our client, to institute legal proceedings against you without further notice to you,” the letter warns.
Moreover, Barry’s legal counsel has demanded an immediate retraction of the allegations, insisting that the retraction be given the same prominence as the original publications.
In a recent development, the publisher of Womenvoices Newspaper has confirmed her readiness to attend the conference. This gesture indicates a willingness to engage in dialogue and possibly reach an amicable solution before the matter escalates to court.
The Womenvoices Newspaper’s confirmation to attend the conference marks a critical step towards resolving this dispute. As the community watches closely, the outcome of this engagement could set a precedent for how such conflicts are managed in the future, balancing the necessity of investigative journalism with the imperative to avoid defamation.
Meanwhile, County District #1 Representative Rugie Barry and District #5 Representative Priscilla Cooper have refuted the allegation of bravery aimed at removing Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa from his position as Speaker. Their responses come in the wake of serious allegations suggesting that some members of the House may have received financial incentives for their signatures on the resolution.
Both lawmakers were among scores of female legislators who were accused of allegedly being involved in this scandal following the appearance of their signatures on the resolution. Among the eight women serving in the House, five placed their names and signatures on the resolution to remove Speaker Koffa.
These legislators—Representative Marie Johnson from Grand Gedeh County District #2, Representative Julie F. Wiah from Lofa County District #4, Representative Rugie Barry from Montserrado County District #1, Representative Priscilla Cooper from Montserrado County District #5, and Representative Bintu Massalay from Grand Cape Mount District #1—are among the 48 central figures in this unfolding scandal.
Reports emerged early Thursday revealing a troubling scheme reportedly orchestrated by the ruling establishment to remove House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Representative Luther Collins from Gbarpolu County publicly disclosed that he received an initial payment of $15,000 as part of this controversial effort to secure support for Koffa’s ousting.
However, Montserrado County District #1 Representative Rugie Barry stated in a statement early Friday, “I signed a resolution to address important policy and procedural issues. However, it has come to my attention that some members of the House are alleged to have received money for their signatures. I, Rugie Barry, did not receive any money for such. I have built my integrity over my entire life and will not allow my character to be dragged through the mud.”
Representative Barry emphasized that addressing procedural issues should not involve public displays of discord within the Capitol, which is meant to be a place of honor. “Therefore, given the aforementioned, I hereby officially withdraw my signature from the petition to effectuate the removal of Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the 55th Liberia Legislature,” she declared. The representative called for calm and urged all parties to engage in constructive dialogue that prioritizes the needs of the Liberian people.
Meanwhile, during the pro-Koffa session on Tuesday, several female lawmakers were in attendance, including Moima Briggs-Mensah from Bong County District #6, Gbessie Sonii Feika from Grand Cape Mount County District #3, Ellen Attoh Wreh from Margibi County District #3, Bintu Massalay from Grand Cape Mount District #1, and Rugie Barry from Montserrado County District #1. Their presence underscored a growing coalition of support for Koffa amidst the ongoing power struggle.
Conversely, the anti-Koffa session saw three female representatives among a larger group of 40 male lawmakers. This faction included Marie Johnson from Grand Gedeh County District #2, Julie F. Wiah from Lofa County District #4, and Priscilla Cooper from Montserrado County District #5. Their participation in the anti-Koffa session reflects the ongoing dissent against the Speaker’s leadership.
