Alternative National Congress (ANC) through its Chairman Lafayette Gould has sharply criticized lawmakers in the House of Representatives, describing recent actions as “broad day robbery” in response to the House’s leadership controversy and recent financial moves.
His statement, shared on Monday, calls into question the ethics of legislators who continue to receive salaries and procure US$45,000 vehicles while allegedly failing to serve the Liberian people effectively.
Gould’s condemnation stems from the ongoing leadership crisis within the House, where a majority bloc has signed a resolution to remove Speaker Fonati Koffa.
The ANC Chairman stated: “These lawmakers are more focused on internal power struggles than on carrying out their responsibilities to their constituents. He argues that opposition lawmakers who oppose Koffa’s speakership have been inactive and unproductive, insisting that such lawmakers should not be compensated or granted luxurious vehicles.
“It’s a clear act of broad day robbery,” Gould stated. “You’ve done no work; you sit yourselves down in crisis. One group claims they have the numbers, while the other does not. And yet, they still want to collect paychecks. Lawmakers should not be paid for work, not for conflict and inaction.” He asserted that the decision to allow these lawmakers to receive their pay under these circumstances is “illegal” and “an insult to the Liberian people.”
In response to the situation, Gould expressed strong support for a mass protest scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, at the Capitol Building.
The demonstration, organized by a coalition of civil society groups and supported by ANC, aims to amplify public dissatisfaction with what Gould and others view as unjustifiable actions by lawmakers.
He encouraged all ANC partisans to join the protest to “mount pressure” and bring an end to the leadership deadlock, warning that if left unresolved, this situation could severely disrupt government operations and potentially delay the passage of the 2025 draft national budget.
“We cannot allow the government to shut down because of legislative infighting,” Gould cautioned. “I am calling on all ANC partisans to join the protest. Ordinary Liberians are bearing the brunt of this impasse, and we must not allow their voices to go unheard.”
He also criticized the recent resolution signed by 43 representatives calling for Speaker Koffa’s removal, arguing that it “lacks substantial value and evidence.” He condemned the bloc’s decision, dismissing the resolution as a baseless power play that disregards due process and accountability.
Meanwhile, Lafayette Gould voiced support for the Justice in Chamber’s recent statement, which urges the House of Representatives to adhere to legal and procedural standards in any effort to unseat Speaker Koffa.
The ANC Chairman underscored the importance of respecting judicial oversight and urged lawmakers to uphold due process rather than succumbing to factional pressures.
As the protest approaches, Gould stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order, instructing ANC partisans and other participants to avoid violence and ensure the demonstration remains civil. “This protest should be organized, impactful, and devoid of violence. We want our voices heard, but we must uphold our commitment to nonviolence,” he said.
