In a mocking critique on his official Facebook page, embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has called out what he describes as the “numbers game” in Liberia’s House of Representatives, condemning the recent decision to withhold December salaries and benefits from seven suspended lawmakers. Koffa’s remarks come amid growing tensions within the legislative body over what he claims are politically motivated actions targeting dissenting voices.
“Now they have illegally seized the salaries and benefits of their colleagues and staff during Christmas season. Is this the numbers game too? Scores of families are without Christmas because of this numbers game whose rules are set by the ‘majority,'” Koffa wrote, likening the situation to the infamous poem at the Holocaust Museum about silence in the face of injustice.
The controversy erupted on Friday, December 20, 2024, when it was confirmed that over two million Liberian dollars, originally designated as December salaries for the affected lawmakers, had been deposited into the Government’s consolidated account. The suspended legislators include Hon. Abu Bana Kamara, Sr., Hon. Alex S. Noah, Hon. Edward P. Flomo, Hon. Eugine J.M. Kollie, Hon. Frank S. Foko, Hon. J. Marvin Cole, and Hon. Zinnah Norman.
According to Representative James Kolleh, the decision stems from the legislative body’s resolution to enforce the suspensions, some of which have now spanned over three months. These punitive measures were imposed following allegations of misconduct. Among them, Hon. Edward P. Flomo and Hon. Abu Kamara were handed a 30-working-day suspension with no legislative benefits, while Hon. Marvin Cole faced unanimous suspension on November 19, 2024, for behavior deemed “inappropriate for a legislator.”
Koffa’s statement underscores the broader implications of the suspensions, particularly their impact on the families of the affected lawmakers and staff during the holiday season. “Is this the country we want?” Koffa asked, drawing attention to the harsh reality faced by many who rely on their December pay to celebrate Christmas.
The Majority Bloc’s move has generated a wave of public criticism, with many accusing the legislative leadership of using suspensions and withheld salaries as tools of political retribution. Koffa’s call for introspection resonates with a growing sentiment that the HoR is increasingly driven by partisan motives rather than principles of justice and fairness.
