MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a bold and unwavering stance against what he describes as an unconstitutional rebellion within the House of Representatives, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has rejected the majority bloc’s desperate and illegitimate attempt to remove him from office. In a letter dated January 31, 2025, addressed to Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, Speaker Koffa exposed the unlawful nature of the move and accused those behind it of acting under the influence of the executive branch in a blatant assault on Liberia’s democracy.
Koffa’s response comes after he received a letter, sent not through official legislative channels but via WhatsApp from Representative James Kolleh, claiming that the plenary had taken action against him. This highly irregular method of communication alone raises serious doubts about the credibility of the so-called decision. But beyond the procedural absurdity, Koffa made it clear that the letter itself was a fabrication, pointing out that the majority bloc had already voted on January 30, 2025, to defer any committee report on the matter until February 4, 2025. Any claim that the plenary had decided otherwise was nothing short of a fraudulent attempt to hijack the leadership of the House.
“If this is the case, then your letter, purporting to obtain instructions from the plenary, is an unlawful usurpation of the function and authority of the people’s elected representatives,” Koffa wrote, swiftly dismantling the legitimacy of the so-called decision. His words leave no doubt that the majority bloc has abandoned all pretense of democratic governance, opting instead for coercion and manipulation to impose its will.
The Speaker’s response did not stop at exposing the procedural violations. He directly called out those who orchestrated this political ambush, making it clear that their actions were backed by the brute force of the executive. “Please inform those who instructed you to write such a letter that they should obtain the office in the same manner as they obtained the speakership—illegally and with the force of the executive,” Koffa wrote, openly condemning the illegitimate nature of the entire operation.
This statement exposes a dangerous precedent: the executive branch, unable to control Speaker Koffa through democratic means, has resorted to backroom dealings and unconstitutional maneuvers to weaken his leadership. By attempting to remove Koffa outside the boundaries of due process, the majority bloc is not only violating the rules of the House but also serving as a willing tool in the executive’s broader agenda to consolidate power and undermine legislative independence.
The involvement of Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh in this crisis further underscores the extent of the conspiracy. Koffa’s letter pointedly referenced Tweh’s role in crafting the so-called legal justification for this illegal act, stating that the minister had “already outlined a pathway” to finalize the scheme. This revelation is deeply troubling, as it suggests that legal interpretations are being twisted to serve political interests rather than uphold justice and constitutional order.
Koffa’s firm rejection of the majority bloc’s actions is more than just a personal stance—it is a crucial defense of Liberia’s democracy. His refusal to recognize the legitimacy of their move underscores the urgent need to resist the creeping authoritarianism taking root in the country’s governance structures. “I will not respond to anyone further on this issue,” he stated, making it clear that he refuses to legitimize an illegitimate process by engaging with it.
Meanwhile, the majority bloc’s hasty actions have plunged the House of Representatives into a constitutional crisis. Their willingness to bypass procedures, manipulate legal frameworks, and serve as an extension of the executive branch exposes the depths of their desperation. Instead of respecting the will of the Liberian people and upholding the rule of law, they have resorted to political strong-arming, treating the House as a vehicle for their personal ambitions.
