spot_imgspot_img
Monday, February 17, 2025

FONATI KOFFA DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN CAPITOL BUILDING ARSON, URGES INTERNATIONAL INVESTIGATION

Date:

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has denied any involvement in the December 18, 2024, fire that ravaged the Capitol Building, describing allegations against him as baseless and urging authorities to seek international assistance for a fair investigation.

In a statement issued Thursday, January 23, 2025, following an announcement by the Liberia National Police (LNP) naming him and six other lawmakers as persons of interest in the arson investigation, Koffa expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing probe.

“I understand that by a communication to the House of Representatives majority bloc, the Liberia National Police has invited me and others to assist in the investigation of the fire incident,” Koffa said. “Since the unfortunate occurrence of this event, I have consistently cooperated and ensured the cooperation of all persons under my employ. I must reiterate that I am and remain absolutely innocent of any involvement in this event.”

The Speaker called for the involvement of international partners to ensure impartiality and transparency in the investigation, a move he believes would restore public confidence in the process.

The LNP, in its announcement on Thursday, January 23, 2025, listed Representatives Marvin Cole (Bong County District #3), Dixon Seboe (Montserrado County District #16), Priscilla Cooper (Montserrado County District #5), Abu Kamara (Montserrado County District #15), Jacob C. Debee II (Grand Gedeh County District #3), and Frank Foko (Montserrado County District #9) alongside Koffa as individuals of interest in the case.

Preliminary findings by the police indicate that the fire, which severely damaged the legislative chambers and disrupted government operations, was the result of arson. Investigators have suggested a broader conspiracy, allegedly aimed at destabilizing the government, but no conclusive evidence has yet been made public.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and heightened concerns over national security. Critics have questioned the government’s ability to protect critical infrastructure, while some lawmakers have accused political actors of exploiting the tragedy for personal and political gain.

As investigations continue, Speaker Koffa has reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law. “I again encourage the authorities to seek international partners’ assistance to ensure a fair and impartial investigation,” he stated.

Socrates Smythe Saywon
Socrates Smythe Saywon is a Liberian journalist. You can contact me at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or reach out via email at saywonsocrates@smartnewsliberia.com or saywonsocrates3@gmail.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

LACC SUMMONS NOCAL’S AZANGO OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS IN VEHICLE PURCHASE AND CONSULTANCY DEAL

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has...

CUMMINGS REJECTS FUTURE PRESIDENTIAL BID, SLAMS CORRUPTION AND MISMANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, leader of...

400 OFFICIALS SUSPENDED, BUT WILL BOAKAI ENFORCE REAL ACCOUNTABILITY?

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend over 400...

LIBERIANS DESERVE RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP, NOT WASTEFUL SPENDING

After 177 years of existence, Liberia remains stuck in...

PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND COUNTY CLOSED OVER UNPAID SALARIES

MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA — The Maryland County Board of...

IS LIBERIA’S DEMOCRACY AT RISK? A STEP BACKWARDS LOOMS

The Capitol Building fire recent reports have stirred deep...

COMMENTARY

WHY FOLLOW A PR STRATEGY TO OVERCOME CRISES AND MAINTAIN BRAND VISIBILITY

Courtesy of Martin Blayon, an experienced Public Relations Specialist Misinformation...

THE LASTING LEGACY OF PRINCE JOHNSON’S DEATH AND THE PATH FORWARD FOR LIBERIA

By Lyndon J. Ponnie, Sr. The passing of former Liberian...

PRES. BOAKAI’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS

-A Commentary Joseph Boakai's failure to lead has once again...

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

LATEST NEWS

LIBERIAN CENSUS IN SHAMBLE – AS LISGIS’ OFFICIALS CLASH

LIBERIA – Today is census day in Liberia. The...

ADDITIONAL REVELATIONS: SENATORS REPORTEDLY RECEIVED $15K EACH BEFORE CONTROVERSIAL RETREAT

MONROVIA – In a startling revelation, prominent activist Martin...

LIBERIA SUBMITS NATIONAL ENERGY COMPACT FOR FINANCING AT AFRICA ENERGY SUMMIT

Liberia has officially presented its "National Energy Compact" for...

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

HOR IN UPROAR AS EMBATTLED SPEAKER KOFFA’S INFLUENCE EXPOSES GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES

By Socrates Smythe Saywon, Sr. Liberia’s political scene is currently...

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link