Amid rising tensions surrounding House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s removal, reports indicate that former President George Weah has called a special meeting with Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) lawmakers.
Allegations of a conspiracy to remove Koffa have sparked Weah’s anger, as he views this internal strife as a potential threat to the party’s stability.
Once dominant in both legislative chambers and the executive, the CDC has seen its influence wane following losses in the presidency and the Senate Pro-Tempore position. Currently, the Speakership is all that remains of its power, and Weah is determined to safeguard it.
Koffa’s election was marked by a promise to implement significant reforms, including an audit of the Legislature, which the General Auditing Commission has begun.
While some newly elected lawmakers support this initiative, opposition has emerged from established members who fear the audit could jeopardize their political futures.
Prominent figures, such as Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, Senator Prince Moye, and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, have expressed their dissent, particularly since they previously chaired committees that may be scrutinized.
Deputy Speaker Fallah, who has served since 2006, reportedly feels side lined in key decisions and is involved in efforts to unseat Rep. Dixon Seboe from the Chair of the Ways, Means & Finance Committee.
This committee plays a crucial role in financial oversight, including the national budget.
As discord grows within the CDC, the ruling Unity Party (UP) appears ready to capitalize on the unrest. Vice President Koung, a significant UP figure, sees the potential removal of Koffa as a means to diminish Weah’s influence ahead of the 2029 elections.
To attract disenchanted CDC members, the UP is reportedly offering enticing positions, including committee chair roles, to those willing to defect.
Despite claims of substantial funds being used to sway lawmakers, political analysts caution that successfully ousting Koffa will be difficult, requiring a majority of 49 votes.
Many CDC lawmakers remain cautious about supporting such a move. However, Koffa is regarded as a resilient politician capable of rallying support to counter this challenge.
Weah’s meeting with CDC lawmakers aims to address these internal conflicts, as he considers the Speakership vital for the party’s unity. Having previously attributed the CDC’s recent electoral loss to infighting, Weah is pushing for collaboration and solidarity among party members.
On Monday, Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa H. Bility wrote on this Facebook causing his colleagues to do the honorable things in removing the speaker.
Rep. Bility stated: “I want to take a moment to acknowledge the feelings and concerns that some of you have regarding the call for the Speaker’s removal. It’s completely understandable that this situation is challenging for many of us. You have the right to express your wishes, as you are the ones who elected him, and I respect that,” he wrote.
The Nimba District #7 lawmaker is urging his colleagues to remember the importance of due process in removing the speaker.
“I urge us all to remember the importance of due process as outlined in the Constitution. This means the resolution must be presented before the plenary and formally read by the chief clerk. The Speaker must be allowed to respond to each point rose, allowing every member who wishes to speak the chance to voice their opinions.”
Continuing, he stated: “After that, we must proceed with a headcount vote. If a sufficient number of you—49 members—agree, only then will the Speaker be considered removed, and we can set a date for electing a new Speaker in accordance with our established rules. I genuinely believe we can navigate this process while upholding our oath to defend and protect the Constitution. While it is within the rights of the majority to decide on the Speaker’s fate, let’s ensure we do this thoughtfully and respectfully. Our goal should be a smooth and dignified transition.If you are confident in your support, the procedure is on your side. I ask you to approach this situation with integrity and kindness. The Speaker will exit peacefully if we honor the proper channels,”
Representative Bility asserted in his write-ups.
The conspiracy to remove speaker Fonati Koffa has intensified as some members of the House of Representative disrupted normal session of the House of Representative.
Giving their perspectives on the removal of the House speaker, some former legislative reporters in a panel discussion on the Thursday edition of the OK Moring Rush outlined some of the factors that can lead to the removal of a speaker.
According to them, there must be a capable cause for removing the speaker.
The panelists asserted that in order to remove the speaker, there must be a two-third vote, which which are 38 lawmakers out of the 73 lawmakers to meet a corium for the removal of the speaker.
They further argued that there must be grounds for removing the speakers and those grounds are determined by those against the speaker.
Many lawmakers, including members of the CDC believe that speaker Koffa is not acting rightly as such, they want to unseat him.
It is rumors one of the reasons for which some lawmakers want to remove the speaker is because of the audit that the speaker has instituted to be conducted on the house of representative.
The lawmakers described speaker Koffa as ‘inherently corrupt’ and that he has now turned to a bag-boy for president Boakai.
