-48 of 73 representatives reportedly signed a resolution to effectuate House Speaker Fonati Koffa’s removal
By Jerromie S. Walters
Reports have surfaced regarding efforts by the ruling establishment to oust current House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Representative Luther Collins from Gbarpolu County has publicly acknowledged receiving an initial payment of $15,000 as part of a controversial scheme aimed at garnering support for Koffa’s removal.
Collins revealed in a recent interview that the total amount earmarked for each lawmaker involved in this endeavor is a staggering $25,000. He stated that the remaining $10,000 would be disbursed if the plan unfolds as intended..
According to Chapter Five, Article 49 of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and other elected officers can be removed from office for cause by a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority of the House members. The article stipulates that the House of Representatives must elect its Speaker every six years, emphasizing the need for a stable and functional leadership structure.
Despite the controversy, around 48 representatives have indicated their support for the resolution to remove Speaker Koffa, out of a total of 73 members in the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature. This significant backing suggests a growing movement against Koffa’s leadership.
The political climate has been further exacerbated by recent incidents, including a physical altercation between Deputy House Speaker Thomas Fallah and Representative Marvin Cole of Bong County. Fallah has been accused of orchestrating the push for Koffa’s removal while Koffa is currently in Italy accompanying President Joseph Boakai.
Tensions heightened when several lawmakers, including Ivar Jones, James Kolleh, Dorwon Gleekia, and Foday Fahnbulleh, forcibly opened the Joint Chambers door, which had been sealed by lawmakers from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
As Speaker Koffa is expected to return to Liberia by Friday, speculation continues to mount regarding the motives behind the calls for his removal. Despite the mounting pressure, Koffa has expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the allegations against him, suggesting that he does not believe President Boakai would support such a move.
Koffa, a member of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), narrowly defeated the Unity Party-backed candidate, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, in the speakership election. Since taking office, Koffa has demonstrated a commitment to collaborating with the Unity Party-led government on critical legislative initiatives, including the approval of a $41 million special budget and advocacy for a war and economic crimes court.
