MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The political chaos in the House of Representatives has deepened with Vice President Jeremiah Koung’s revelation on Sunday, December 15, 2024, that embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa allegedly sought to negotiate with the Majority Bloc in an attempt to resolve the escalating leadership crisis. Koung claimed that Koffa made three key proposals to maintain his influence amid mounting calls for his resignation.
According to the Spoon Network’s Facebook page, Koung outlined Koffa’s requests, which included lifting the suspensions placed on members of his bloc, assigning key committee positions to his allies, and allowing him to preside over a session where he would officially transfer authority to Deputy Speaker Cllr. Fonati Fallah. However, these proposals were reportedly dismissed by the Majority Bloc.
In a swift rebuttal on Monday, December 16, 2024, Speaker Koffa took to his official Facebook page to denounce Vice President Koung’s claims, calling them “lies and distortions.” He wrote, “I listened to the distorted and inaccurate comments made by Vice President Koung on Spoon TV. At no time did I negotiate with the Vice President or the President to resign. My position has always been clear: let’s return to legislative normalcy by removing the illegal suspensions, restoring rightful committee heads, and addressing all matters in session.”
Koffa further accused Koung of being the mastermind behind the crisis, stating: “The VP asked for a white ballot for Richard Koon, the passage of the budget, and discussions of committees after a new Speaker was elected. I rejected all of that. The next day, the Minister of Justice issued an opinion on the court ruling, clearly written for him. The Vice President’s inappropriate comments on a radio talk show exposed his role as the mastermind of this unconstitutional saga.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law, Koffa concluded, “The executive can continue to ignore the law, but I will not waver.”
Meanwhile, the Majority Bloc has solidified its position by electing Representative Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District #11 as Speaker on November 21, 2024. Koon’s election was marked by a decisive vote from Samuel Kogar, leader of the Majority Bloc, signaling a major blow to Koffa’s leadership and a clear shift in power within the legislature.
Koon wasted no time asserting his authority. On November 19, 2024, the Majority Bloc voted unanimously to suspend three lawmakers from Koffa’s faction: Representatives J. Marvin Cole of Bong County District #3, Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County District #16, and Ellen Attoh Wreh of Montserrado County District #3. The suspensions followed actions deemed detrimental to their legislative duties.
Cole’s suspension stemmed from alleged disruptive actions, including his role in blocking the House chamber doors on October 17, 2024, preventing legislative business from proceeding. On the same day, Cole reportedly led a group into the Joint Chamber, causing a civil disturbance and allegedly deploying pepper spray during a Majority Bloc session.
Seboe and Wreh also faced sanctions, losing their positions as Chairman and Co-Chair of the Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget Committee. In addition, the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Liberia, and commercial banks were instructed to halt all financial transactions on behalf of the House with the suspended lawmakers.
Since Spoon Network posted Vice President Koung’s remarks, reactions have poured in on Facebook. One commenter noted that Koffa’s alleged negotiations with the Majority Bloc were seen as a desperate attempt to salvage his leadership, highlighting the growing instability within the legislature.
Prominent social media commentator Owen Teah weighed in, saying, “The situation not only reflects the internal power struggle within the House of Representatives but also raises questions about the broader political implications for Liberia’s governance.” He added, “As the drama unfolds, Liberians are watching closely to see whether Koffa’s negotiations will yield any results or if the leadership crisis will continue to escalate.”
