-As Senate Steps In House’s Turmoil
By Jerromie S. Walters
The Liberian Senate has established a five-member committee to facilitate dialogue between opposing factions within the House of Representatives as efforts intensify to oust House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The committee is being chaired by Gbehzohngar Findley, a former Pro-Tempore and current Senator from Grand BassaCounty. Other members include Willington Geevon Smith from River Cess County, Thomas Yaya Nimely from Grand GedehCounty, Gbleh Bo Brown from Maryland County, and DabahVarpilah from Grand Cape Mount County. This decision was reached during a consultative meeting that took place after Thursday’s Senate session. The committee’s role is to mediate between the conflicting parties and propose a path forward.
Worsening by the day:
The ongoing tensions within the Liberian House of Representatives became palpable once again on Thursday, October 24, 2024, as Speaker J. Fonati Koffa was forced to adjourn the session for the second time due to a lack of quorum. With only 30 members present, the session could not proceed. Speaker Koffa assured that the leadership of the House would take steps to address the attendance issues affecting legislative business.
All of these have made many believe that the aggrieved lawmakers are resolved to ensure that Koffa leaves the post. Undoubtedly, this makes it more tedious for Nyonblee’s team to calm legislators from the anti-Koffa’s bloc who have shown their lack of interest in his leadership.
However, another legislator, Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah indicated that the body (HoR) may seek intervention from the Supreme Court to resolve the ongoing quorum challenges. Among those present at the pro-Koffa legislative engagement was Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah who has been issued an ultimatum.
Majority Bloc Issues Ultimatum:
The majority bloc issued a second ultimatum directed at Deputy Speaker Fallah, the Chief Clerk, and other members of the Secretariat aligned with Speaker Koffa. They have demanded full attendance from all members for the next scheduled session set for Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The bloc says failure of the listed individuals to comply with this mandate could have serious repercussions.
The majority bloc has also threatened to declare Deputy Speaker Fallah’s position vacant and remove the Chief Clerk and other Secretariat members associated with Speaker Koffa. Furthermore, they warned that lawmakers who fail to attend the majority’s session within the next two weeks could face salary withholding, a measure they claim is supported by the House rules. Of the 42 lawmakers expected to attend, Representative Michael Thomas of Montserrado District #4 was absent but provided an excuse for his absence, citing a trip outside of Liberia.
The resolution:
It can be referenced that some 47 members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, October 17, 2024, read a resolution to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffafrom his position at the grounds of the Legislature. In the resolution, the legislators cited multiple allegations of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and administrative incompetence.
The resolution references Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 9.1 of the House’s Rules and Procedures, which allow for the removal of the Speaker for cause. The resolution accuses Koffa of holding multiple positions as a consultant and lawyer for various government agencies and private companies, including the Liberia Petroleum and Refining Corporation and the Central Bank of Liberia.
Under Misrepresentation in ECOWAS Parliament, Koffa is accused of submitting a list of representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament without conducting a proper election, misleading both the Liberian public and the ECOWAS body. His actions reportedly contravene the ECOWAS Protocol, which mandates that representatives be elected by direct universal suffrage.
The 47 lawmakers, in their resolution, accuse Koffa of Overspending and Financial Mismanagement: During his tenure as Deputy Speaker, the resolution says Koffa allegedly overspent his budget by over $2.9 million, raising suspicions of systemic corruption. The resolution cites this financial mismanagement as damaging to the credibility of the House.
Another count, Alteration of the National Budget, accuses the Speaker of altering the National Budget. Count five, Unilateral Changes in House Structure accuses Koffa of creating new committees and merging departments without the approval of the House, violating established rules, and undermining the legislative process.
Moreover, in count six, which is tagged Criminal Background, the resolution highlights Koffa’s prior conviction for embezzlement while serving as Town Manager in North Carolina, where he was disbarred and is currently fulfilling community service obligations. Following their presentation, the representatives have scheduled a new election for the speakership to take place next Thursday.
