MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung’s office has strongly denied allegations of bribery and misconduct following claims that he orchestrated the transportation of $900,000 to Bella Casa Hotel to influence the Supreme Court’s pending ruling on the leadership conflict within the House of Representatives.
The allegations, made by Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah, have added fuel to an already tense political standoff. Kolubah, a vocal critic of President Joseph Boakai’s administration and an ally of embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, accused Koung of directing National Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly to deliver the funds to Representatives Prince Moye, James Biney, and Emmanuel Nuquay to secure a ruling favoring the legislative majority bloc.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the Vice President’s office categorically dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated attacks. “There is no truth to the allegation that the Vice President instructed any payments for any reason,” the statement read. It further clarified that the Vice President’s constitutional duties do not extend to directing public expenditures, emphasizing, “This campaign of misinformation is a deliberate effort to scapegoat the Vice President for political gain.”
The office called on Liberians to focus on pressing national issues and reaffirmed Koung’s commitment to integrity and democratic values.
Representative Kolubah’s accusations come amid an intense leadership dispute in the House of Representatives. The majority bloc has accused Speaker Koffa of corruption, undermining legislative committee functions, and fostering conflicts of interest. In response, Koffa has denied the charges and urged his critics to bring formal resolutions during legislative sessions.
Kolubah, using his Hon. Yekeh Y. Kolubah TV Facebook platform, claimed that the alleged bribery attempt was aimed at influencing the Supreme Court to side with the majority bloc. He vowed to lead a “Step Down Campaign” against President Boakai if the Court rules against Speaker Koffa, warning that such a decision would destabilize the legislature and undermine democratic governance.
“If the Supreme Court rules against the Speaker, setting a dangerous precedent, I will spearhead a forceful campaign to call for Boakai’s removal from office,” Kolubah declared during a December 3 press briefing.
During court arguments, legal representatives for both sides presented sharply contrasting views. Cllr. Johnson, representing Speaker Koffa’s bloc, argued that the majority bloc’s actions violated Articles 2 and 33 of the Liberian Constitution and called for their nullification. Meanwhile, Cllr. Sherman, defending the majority bloc, maintained that their actions were constitutionally sound and urged the Court to avoid interfering in what he described as a political matter.
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh underscored the need to uphold constitutional principles while respecting legislative independence. The Court has temporarily suspended the case and reserved its ruling, leaving the political crisis unresolved.
Despite the allegations and the brewing political tension, Speaker Koffa remains steadfast, refusing to resign and expressing confidence in the Supreme Court’s ability to deliver a fair judgment. He has called for unity among lawmakers and pledged to abide by the Court’s final decision.
Meanwhile, the Boakai administration faces mounting criticism as it faces with growing opposition within the legislature and heightened public scrutiny over allegations of corruption and political interference. The Supreme Court’s ruling, when delivered, is expected to have far-reaching implications for Liberia’s political stability.
