Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, who now styles himself as the “Speaker” of the 55th National Legislature, has recently made comments that have mirrored the deeply troubling political dynamics surrounding the removal of House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. Koon’s declaration that he is the “regime Speaker” and his admission that the government sought to remove Koffa because it did not want an “opposition Speaker” confirm long-standing suspicions that the Executive Branch financed and orchestrated efforts to oust Koffa.
This revelation is not just a political bombshell; it reminds us of the fragility of Liberia’s democratic institutions and the lengths to which some will go to consolidate power. Koon’s assertion that the government needed a “regime Speaker” to advance President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda accentuates a dangerous trend: the politicization of legislative independence and the erosion of checks and balances.
The circumstances surrounding Koffa’s removal have been shrouded in controversy. On October 17, 2024, Gbarpolu County Representative Luther Collins publicly admitted to receiving an initial payment of $15,000 as part of a scheme to secure support for Koffa’s ouster. Collins revealed that the total amount promised to each lawmaker involved was $25,000, with sources suggesting that the funds originated from the Executive Branch. This blatant use of financial incentives to manipulate legislative processes is a serious violation of democratic principles and raises significant questions about the integrity of Liberia’s governance.
Koon’s ascension to the speakership on November 21, 2024, was equally contentious. The process was widely criticized as fraudulent, with many lawmakers decrying the lack of transparency and due process. Koon’s subsequent remarks at a public engagement in District 11, where he proudly declared himself the “regime Speaker,” only serve to validate these concerns. His statement that “an opposition Speaker will not push our agenda” reveals a troubling disregard for the role of the Legislature as an independent branch of government.
Speaker Koffa, for his part, has maintained that his removal was illegal and orchestrated through “illegal means and the force of the Executive.” His defiance and legal challenges highlight the deep divisions within the House of Representatives and the broader political landscape. The Minority Bloc, also known as the Rule of Law Caucus, has vowed to boycott Koon’s sessions, further polarizing the Legislature and undermining its ability to function effectively.
The forcible eviction of Speaker Koffa from his office on February 11, 2025, marked a new low in this political saga. Led by Bong County Representative James Kolleh, the eviction was conducted without a court order, raising serious concerns about the rule of law and the abuse of power. Kolleh’s claim that Koffa had not obtained the office through legal means is ironic and hypocritical, given the questionable circumstances surrounding Koon’s election.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in December 2024, which deemed the Majority Bloc’s actions “ultra vires” if they deviated from the intent of Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution, further complicates the matter. Despite this, the Executive Branch and the Liberian Senate endorsed the Majority Bloc’s actions, signaling a troubling alignment between the branches of government that undermines the separation of powers.
Representative Koon’s remarks are not just an acknowledgment of the Executive Branch’s involvement in Koffa’s removal; they are an indictment of the current administration’s approach to governance. The government risks alienating the very citizens it seeks to serve and eroding public trust in democratic institutions by prioritizing political loyalty over constitutional integrity.
The implications of this crisis extend far beyond the walls of the Capitol. The polarization of the House of Representatives, the abuse of power, and the disregard for due process set a dangerous precedent for Liberia’s democracy. If left unchecked, these actions could pave the way for further authoritarian practices and undermine the progress Liberia has made since the end of its civil war.
The rule of law, transparency, and respect for democratic norms must be upheld, regardless of political affiliations or agendas. Representative Koon’s comments have laid bare the motivations behind Speaker Koffa’s removal, but they have also exposed the fragility of Liberia’s democratic institutions. The path forward requires a recommitment to the principles of democracy, a rejection of political manipulation, and a coordinated effort to restore faith in Liberia’s governance. The future of the nation depends on it.
