In a recent commentary, Prof. Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh, a prominent economist and figure in Liberia’s political landscape, weighed in on the contentious issue surrounding the potential removal of Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Presiding Officer of the National Legislature. The debate has intensified, with divided opinions on whether the Speaker should be removed or retained.
Commentators are sharply divided: some argue against the Speaker’s removal, believing it aligns with democratic principles, while others insist that his continued leadership undermines legislative integrity. Prof. Tipoteh asserts that the cornerstone of this discourse should be the Constitution of Liberia and the Rule of Law. He emphasized that adherence to these principles is essential for a functioning democracy, contrasting it with the notion of autocracy.
According to Prof. Tipoteh, the Constitution explicitly states in Article One that all power resides with the people of Liberia, who seek governance through democratic means. He argues that any attempt to remove the Speaker must be executed through due process and only after a legal determination of wrongdoing— a process that has not yet occurred in this case.
Furthermore, he critiques the actions of what he refers to as the “self-styled majority bloc,” claiming their attempts to oust the Speaker violate the Rule of Law. Prof. Tipoteh warns that such violations cannot be permitted by the Supreme Court of Liberia, likening the lawmakers’ actions to those of lawbreakers. He calls for accountability, urging that those who breach the law must be compelled to adhere to it through proper legal channels.
He concludes with a powerful reminder that the people of Liberia are resolute in their demand for the Rule of Law to prevail. He stressed that Speaker Fonati Koffa must be allowed to fulfill his duties until due process is followed, encapsulating this sentiment with the phrase “For-na-tee,” which translates to “Wait for your time” in the Kru language of Liberia, underscoring the importance of patience and adherence to lawful procedures in governance.
Prof. Tipoteh’s commentary not only highlights the current legislative crisis but also serves as a call to action for all Liberians to uphold democratic principles and ensure that justice is served through the due process of law. Dr. Tipoteh is one of the few surviving Liberian academics who fought against tyranny and autocracy under President William Tolbert’s True Whig Party. He is among the few educated Liberians who advocated for multiparty democracy and adherence to the rule of law.
