MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has made it clear that he does not recognize Richard Nagbe Koon as the legitimate Speaker of the House of Representatives, dismissing his election by the Majority bloc and insisting that legal interpretation is necessary to resolve the dispute.
Returning from official trips to the United States and Ghana, Koffa addressed the media at Roberts International Airport, where he criticized members of his bloc who have joined forces with Koon’s camp. He declared that he would not be part of any arrangement that places him under Koon’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to challenging what he considers an illegitimate process.
Amid mounting political tension, Koffa called on Liberians to remain vigilant in the fight against corruption and governance failures. He stressed the importance of protecting the democratic gains that Liberia has made, warning that political manipulation threatens the country’s stability.
Responding to reports that he is under scrutiny by law enforcement, Koffa dismissed allegations of his involvement in any unlawful activities. He described the speculation surrounding a possible arrest as baseless, maintaining that his record as a law-abiding citizen speaks for itself.
“I am surprised to be labeled a person of interest by the Liberia National Police. There is no evidence to support any claim that I have engaged in wrongdoing,” Koffa asserted. He further urged authorities to invite international observers to monitor ongoing investigations to ensure fairness and credibility.
Regarding the recent fire at the Capitol Building, Koffa pledged full cooperation with investigators. He assured the public that he would support efforts to determine the cause of the incident and hold those responsible accountable if foul play is discovered.
As the legal battle over the speakership intensifies, Koffa expressed confidence in the Supreme Court’s role in resolving the crisis. He said he remains hopeful that the court’s ruling on the ‘bill of information’ before it will bring much-needed clarity and reinforce the rule of law in the House of Representatives.