-Embattled House Speaker Koffa Responds to Allegations from Vice President Koung
By Jerromie S. Walters
In a rebuttal to Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s recent comments on the Spoon Talk Show, embattled House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has categorically denied allegations that he has been negotiating his resignation from his post.
Koffa took to social media to express his outrage, stating, “Lies, twisted lies, and distortions” in reference to Koung’s claims. He emphasized that he has never engaged in discussions with either the Vice President or the President regarding stepping down from his role.
“My position is and has always been clear: we must return to legislative normalcy,” Koffa asserted. He outlined his agenda, which includes the removal of what he termed “illegal suspensions,” the restoration of rightful committee heads, and the necessity of returning to legislative chambers to address all matters, including the complaints raised by the Vice President.
Koffa recounted a recent interaction with Koung, in which the Vice President proposed a white ballot for Richard Koon, the passage of the budget, and discussions regarding committee assignments after the election of a new speaker. Koffa firmly rejected these proposals, stating, “We came to no agreement,” and highlighted that the following day, the Minister of Justice issued an opinion on a court ruling that he believes was pre-written.
The Speaker further accused Koung of being the “principal mastermind” behind what he described as an unconstitutional saga, suggesting that the Vice President’s comments on the radio have revealed his true intentions.
“I remain steadfast on the side of the law,” Koffa concluded. “The executive branch may continue to disregard the rule of law, but I will not waver in my commitment to uphold it.”
Unstable HoR
The House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia has been in disarray for months. Tensions within the House of Representatives erupted on October 17, 2024, when 47 members of the 55th Legislature attempted to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, citing allegations of misconduct and administrative incompetence.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District #11 was controversially elected and inducted as the “new Speaker” of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. According to the Bloc, this decision was made by approximately 50 members of the House of Representatives; however, many of those included in their resolution later retracted their signatures and expressed discontent over what they termed “Koon’s fraudulent election.”
The Bloc has since implemented various critical measures, including the suspension of lawmakers, despite a Supreme Court ruling indicating that improper decisions were made and that the legislature must act in accordance with the law.
