In the midst of escalating political tensions within the Liberian House of Representatives, Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko has publicly called on embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to ask his wife, who works at JFK Hospital, to resign as a form of protest. This unusual demand underscores the depth of the ongoing political crisis and Rep. Foko’s staunch loyalty to the Speaker amidst efforts to remove him from office.
Rep. Foko, a vocal supporter of Speaker Koffa, has consistently opposed the alleged plot to oust the Speaker, describing it as a violation of democratic principles. Addressing the unfolding crisis, he accused President Joseph Boakai’s administration of interfering in legislative affairs, undermining the constitutional separation of powers, and creating instability.
The Lawmaker called on Speaker Koffa to ask his wife to resign from JFK Hospital as a form of protest against what he described as threats to the Speaker’s life and family. Foko suggested that such a move would send a powerful message to the administration about its actions.
“Mr. Speaker, the life of your wife is no longer safe,” Foko warned, emphasizing that her resignation would symbolize resistance against the alleged “wicked” actions of the President.
The lawmaker outlined several grievances against President Boakai, accusing him of failing to deliver on key promises. He cited a lack of meaningful job creation, unfulfilled commitments to infrastructure projects, and a compromised fight against drugs, which he claims is tainted by allegations involving the President’s son.
“You can lie to come to power, but you cannot lie to stay in power,” Foko declared, criticizing the administration’s unfulfilled promises, such as the $700 million HPX deal and the proposed $500 million industrial park project with Chinese nationals. According to Foko, these promises have proven to be mere propaganda, misleading the public and dashing the hopes of Liberia’s youth.
Foko argued that the administration’s “barbaric attitudes” have discouraged foreign investment, as potential investors fear the lack of respect for the rule of law in Liberia.
Rep. Foko further alleged that Vice President Jeremiah Koon’s recent statements reveal the Executive Branch’s involvement in the campaign to remove Speaker Koffa. He condemned what he termed “unconstitutional behavior,” warning that such actions threaten Liberia’s democracy.
“This blatant abuse of power undermines the integrity of the Legislature and destabilizes the country,” Foko said. He accused the President of bypassing constitutional processes by submitting the national budget to an “unconstitutional body” within the House of Representatives.
Foko vowed to resist these moves, asserting that he cannot remain silent in the face of what he perceives as an assault on Liberia’s constitutional democracy. “History will judge us if we allow President Boakai to proceed in this manner,” he said.
The lawmaker hinted at plans to intensify tomorrow’s protest as the plot to remove Speaker Koffa continues. He threatened to lead a march into the joint chambers of the Legislature to assert his presence and defend his office. He also appealed to the Liberian Council of Churches and the international community to intervene, warning of potential unrest.
Rep. Foko’s remarks signal a deepening divide within Liberia’s political landscape, as lawmakers clash over the fate of Speaker Koffa and the broader governance of the country. The coming weeks will reveal whether these tensions will escalate further or lead to a resolution that upholds Liberia’s democratic principles.
