MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Social media erupted with amusement and debate as two competing Christmas greetings from rival Speakers of the House of Representatives surfaced. The messages came from Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District 11, representing the Majority Bloc, and Hon. Jonathan Fonati Koffa of Grand Kru County District 2, who continues to claim legitimacy as Speaker despite his recent ousting.
The Majority Bloc, led by Speaker Koon, ousted Koffa through an election in the joint chamber. However, Koffa, who was not present for the vote, has consistently rejected his removal, branding it unconstitutional. “Even if I’m left with one person on my side, I will not resign,” Koffa declared.
In his holiday message, Koon addressed Liberians with a note of hope and unity:
“Season’s Greetings from Honorable Richard Nagbe Koon, Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Republic of Liberia. Wishing all Liberians peace and prosperity this Christmas and New Year. May this season inspire hope for a brighter Liberia. Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.”
Meanwhile, Koffa’s competing flyer read:
“From the Office of Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Speaker, 55th Legislature, Republic of Liberia. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Wishing all Liberians peace and prosperity.”
The political standoff between the two factions remains tense. The Majority Bloc, aligned with the ruling Unity Party of President Joseph Boakai, has continued to hold legislative sessions under Koon’s leadership, including the recent passage of the 2025 national budget. In contrast, Koffa has struggled to convene a quorum, further isolating his Minority Bloc, which is linked to the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Commenters on Facebook, primarily supporters of the ruling Unity Party (UP) and critics of Koffa, have pointed out that the Executive branch’s alignment with Koon has solidified his legitimacy as Speaker. However, they noted that Koffa’s refusal to step aside and his claims of unconstitutionality have prolonged the impasse, leaving many Liberians, both at home and abroad, eager to see how the situation unfolds.
One commenter remarked that Koffa’s unwavering stance, contrasted with Koon’s increasing authority, could shape the future of legislative leadership in the country in the coming weeks. “For now,” Abraham Doe observed, “the House of Representatives remains divided, even as the holiday season calls for peace and unity.”
