MONROVIA – The Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives on Thursday, November 21, 2024, moved to declare Speaker Fonati Koffa’s position vacant, citing his refusal to address allegations against him. The decision was endorsed during a session presided over by Acting Chief Clerk Comic Chea and supported by a motion from Bong County District #3 Representative James Kolleh.
According to the Majority Bloc, 50 members of the House signed a resolution calling for Koffa’s removal, asserting that his failure to respond to invitations from a specialized committee constituted a breach of legislative protocol. The committee, tasked with investigating concerns raised by six lawmakers, had reportedly invited Speaker Koffa on three separate occasions, but he declined to appear.
The specialized committee’s report was pivotal in the decision to oust the Speaker. The report, coupled with the resolution, outlined Koffa’s alleged defiance and inability to cooperate with his colleagues in addressing grievances within the House.
The session, attended by 41 lawmakers, also revealed surprising details about the resolution’s signatories. Members previously associated with Speaker Koffa’s bloc, including Representatives Thomas Goshua, Matthew Joe, Priscilla Cooper, Rufie Barry, Alex Sonnyboy Noah, and Bintu Massally, were listed among those who supported the motion to declare the seat vacant.
The Majority Bloc emphasized the importance of accountability and collective responsibility in the House of Representatives. “This decision is not taken lightly,” a source from the bloc stated. “It reflects the will of the majority and is aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the legislature in the best interest of the Liberian people.”
In the interim, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah has been appointed by the Majority Bloc to serve as Acting Speaker, pending the resolution of the leadership dispute. Fallah, known for his pragmatic approach to governance, is expected to stabilize the House during this transitional period.
The decision to unseat Speaker Koffa emphasizes deepening divisions within the legislature. While the Majority Bloc has framed its actions as a necessary step to restore order and accountability, Koffa’s allies are likely to view the move as a political maneuver aimed at consolidating power.
Observers note that the situation reflects far-reaching challenges within Liberia’s governance structures. The absence of Speaker Koffa from crucial discussions raises questions about leadership accountability and the ability of lawmakers to address internal conflicts constructively.
This development also sets a precedent for handling disputes within the House of Representatives. As the dust settles, attention will turn to how the legislature navigates the legal and political ramifications of the decision.
As Acting Speaker Thomas Fallah assumes his temporary role, Liberians are watching the Majority Bloc and its next steps. Will this decision pave the way for a more functional legislature, or will it deepen existing divisions? Only time will tell, but the stakes for Liberia’s democratic institutions could not be higher.
