Monrovia, Liberia – The embattled Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has officially resigned from his position following a prolonged period of political tension and internal division within the House of Representatives.
In a resignation letter dated May 12, 2025, and addressed to Hon. Mädred Sayon, Chief Clerk of the House, Koffa announced that his resignation would take effect immediately at 12 noon.
In accordance with the Constitution and the House’s Rules, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah will become presiding officer and acting Speaker until a new Speaker is elected.
“Please convey to the members my warmest regards and deepest gratitude for having elected me to serve the Liberian people in this capacity,” Koffa wrote.
Koffa, who represents Grand Kru County District #2, was elected Speaker in early 2024 amid a shifting political landscape following national elections.
His time in office, however, has been marked by internal disputes, partisan gridlock, and accusations of corruption and overreach from both opposition lawmakers and members of the ruling Unity Party.
Political pundits believe Koffa’s resignation is a strategic move to defuse rising tensions within the House and allow the Legislature to refocus on pressing national priorities, including economic reform, security sector restructuring, and Liberia’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Despite his formal resignation, it remains unclear whether the House will immediately proceed with electing a new Speaker.
Koffa’s letter recommended that such an election be held, but no official timeline has been announced.
Currently, Representative Richard N. Koon of Montserrado County District #11 has been presiding over the Majority Bloc, serving as its de facto Speaker.
This has raised constitutional and procedural questions about the next steps for the 55th Legislature.
Under House rules, a special session is expected to be convened in the coming days to determine the process and timeline for electing Koffa’s successor.
Will the Majority Bloc move forward with a new election while Koon continues to preside as their Speaker?
This remains a critical question that Liberia’s political stakeholders must answer in the days or weeks ahead.
