MONROVIA – Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Mohammed Konneh has broken his silence on the protracted leadership crisis in the House of Representatives, endorsing Hon. Richard Koon as Speaker and advising embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to step aside for the sake of national unity. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the senator expressed concern over the legislative impasse and its detrimental impact on governance.
Reflecting on his first year in the Legislature, Senator Konneh lamented the slow progress caused by the power struggle over the Speaker’s position and control of the national budget. “After 11 months, we find ourselves caught in a struggle over the Speaker’s position and control of the national budget, hindering our legislative progress from the very start,” he wrote.
He criticized the dysfunction within the Legislature, attributing it to personal interests and the slow response of the Executive Branch. “It is disheartening that we cannot embark on our crucial work in this new government due to dysfunction within the Legislature driven by personal interests and the sluggish pace of the Executive Branch,” he added.
Senator Konneh highlighted the Attorney General’s opinion on the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the crisis, emphasizing the importance of clarity and adherence to the rule of law. He also urged Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence to adopt a consultative approach similar to the one used during discussions on the War and Economic Crimes Court resolution.
Addressing Speaker Koffa directly, Senator Konneh called on him to demonstrate leadership by stepping aside. “Stepping aside for the betterment of our beloved country will be a profound act of leadership. You have served as a commendable, centrist opposition Speaker. Yet, the Liberian people deserve a Speaker who can unite his colleagues behind a legislative agenda that elevates their needs above divisiveness and personal interest,” he said.
Senator Konneh stressed the urgency of passing a credible national budget to enable the government to function effectively. He urged all branches of government to work cohesively, stressing that the Liberian people deserve better. “We are leaders of the 8th poorest country in the world, and all three branches of government must operate cohesively to foster shared prosperity for our people. Let’s get back to work!” he declared.
The senator’s statement also touched on wider governance issues, calling for adherence to constitutional principles and the separation of powers. He warned against eroding public trust in government institutions, noting that such actions could have lasting consequences.
With this decisive intervention, Senator Konneh has positioned himself as a voice of reason, advocating for unity and a renewed focus on the country’s development agenda. The ball now lies in Speaker Koffa’s court, as the nation watches to see whether his actions will align with the senator’s appeal for leadership and progress.
