MONROVIA – In a fast-developing political saga, a group of lawmakers advocating for the ousting of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has made a bold move, gathering at the Capitol Building in force. The convoy of 43 legislators, departing from RLK Hotel in Margibi County, underscores the growing momentum behind their efforts to remove Koffa from his position. Among the notable supporters of this movement is Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscilla Cooper, who had previously distanced herself from an alleged bribery scandal but is now firmly backing the push for leadership change.
The lawmakers, convening in a special session in the joint chambers of the Capitol, voted to summon Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah to appear before their chamber on Thursday, October 25, 2024. They have warned that failure to attend the session will result in his removal. The session unfolded under heightened security as 43 anti-Koffa legislators gathered in a separate chamber, indicating that Speaker Koffa currently has the support of only 29 of the 73 elected lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
The move comes just days after a press conference led by Representatives Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County District #5 and Sekou S. Kanneh of Montserrado County District #2. On October 20, 2024, the coalition publicly called for Speaker Koffa’s immediate resignation, accusing him of gross corruption and financial mismanagement. They alleged that Koffa had misappropriated millions of dollars during his tenure as both Deputy Speaker and Speaker.
Rep. Kogar, leading the charge, made it clear that the lawmakers had enough legislative support to proceed with their demand. “Our resolution is firm—Speaker Koffa is corrupt, and we have 42 lawmakers backing this motion. With 38 present today, we have well over the required majority of 37 votes to act,” Kogar asserted.
At the press conference, Rep. Nyahn G. Flomo of Nimba County District #2 detailed the allegations of financial misconduct, accusing Speaker Koffa of receiving $9.7 million over two fiscal years, despite an official allocation of just $2.6 million. In 2023, Koffa’s office was allotted $1.1 million but received $4.1 million, and in 2024, he took in $5.6 million while his office was only allocated $1.5 million.
These transactions, according to Flomo, violated Liberia’s Budget Transfer Act of 2008, which governs public fund transfers. Flomo alleged that Koffa had deliberately circumvented the law for personal gain. Additionally, the lawmakers revealed that Koffa obstructed a General Audit Commission (GAC) audit of the House’s finances. The GAC audit, initiated in March 2024, was abruptly halted in April when Koffa ordered the audit team to leave, raising further questions about financial mismanagement.
“President Joseph Boakai has already initiated audits of the past administration, and the Senate has completed its audit. However, Speaker Koffa has failed to deliver on his promise to audit the House, which raises serious concerns about his leadership,” Flomo stated.
The lawmakers also took aim at Koffa’s handling of House staff welfare. Several staff members were reportedly removed from the payroll at the behest of Honorable Marvin Cole, but Koffa has done nothing to rectify the situation. According to the group, this shows Koffa’s disregard for the rights and welfare of House employees.
In their final statements, the lawmakers condemned Speaker Koffa’s actions, declaring that his leadership had brought “disdain and dishonor” to the House of Representatives. They called for his immediate resignation, asserting, “We cannot tolerate this level of corruption in the people’s House. Speaker Koffa has enriched himself at the expense of the Liberian people, and his leadership is no longer tenable.”
As dissatisfaction with corruption continues to rise across Liberia, the call for Speaker Koffa’s resignation comes at a critical juncture in the nation’s political climate. All eyes are now on the Capitol as lawmakers prepare for a decisive confrontation that could significantly alter Liberia’s political landscape.
