MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a move that has sent shockwaves across Liberia, Anderson D. Miamen, head of one of the country’s leading integrity institutions, has publicly condemned allegations of a bribery scheme aimed at ousting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jonathan Fonati Koffa. Miamen’s statement, released on Friday, October 18, 2024, on his Facebook page, titled, “Lawmakers and Their Collaborators Allegedly Dishing Out Money to Remove Speaker Koffa Should Be Investigated by the State,” called for an immediate inquiry into the matter.
The allegations, widely circulated in both traditional and social media, suggest that US$25,000 was offered to each representative as part of a coordinated effort to remove Speaker Koffa from his leadership position. Miamen expressed deep concern over the reported financial influence on this process, stressing the need for integrity and transparency in legislative decisions.
“While it is within the rights of lawmakers to remove their leaders, the process must be lawful, transparent, and free from corruption or unethical dealings,” Miamen stated. He warned that when substantial sums of money are involved in decision-making, the motives behind such actions often become questionable. “Money becomes the main motivating factor for securing votes or signatures, rather than the genuineness of the reasons or motives,” he noted.
Miamen emphasized that the distribution of such large amounts of money to lawmakers to sign a resolution to unseat the Speaker was alarming for several reasons. He questioned the legitimacy of the plot, suggesting that no one would spend that kind of money if the action were truly justified. He also argued that allegations of bribery validate public suspicions about the lack of integrity and independence among many lawmakers.
“What makes this situation even more troubling is that some of those reportedly involved are individuals at the center of budget corruption allegations and other discrepancies within the Legislature. This appears to be an attempt to undermine ongoing calls for financial audits of the House of Representatives, including efforts by Speaker Koffa to champion accountability,” Miamen added.
His concerns were echoed by Rep. Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County’s District #2, who, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, exposed the bribery scheme in a live Facebook video. Collins claimed he was offered US$25,000 as part of the plot to remove Speaker Koffa, which he alleged was orchestrated by Vice President Jeremiah Koung and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah. Collins revealed that he had received an initial payment of US$15,000 and presented a list of lawmakers purportedly involved in the conspiracy.
“For the past two days, rumors have been circulating about impeaching Speaker Koffa,” Collins explained in the video. “I was told the bribe offered was US$25,000 per lawmaker. I pretended to be part of the scheme in order to expose this corruption to the Liberian people. This is not in the best interest of our country.”
Collins claimed that the plot was part of a broader internal power struggle within the House, centered around efforts to destabilize leadership, particularly the Ways, Means & Finance Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Dixon Seeboe, a close ally of Speaker Koffa. He accused Vice President Koung and Deputy Speaker Fallah of leading the effort to realign the committee’s leadership for political gain.
Miamen concluded his statement by calling on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) and the Ministry of Justice to launch a thorough investigation into the allegations. He urged these institutions to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to determine the source of the funds and to hold those involved accountable.
“This is another test for the Boakai administration to move away from business as usual,” Miamen asserted. “Liberians deserve better. Their taxes must work for them, not for selfish politicians who prioritize their own interests over the public good.”
The allegations have mounted public outrage, with many calling for swift action to address the reported corruption within the Legislature.
