Julie Fatorma Wiah, Representative for District #2 of Lofa County, has vehemently denied allegations that she received financial inducements to support the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position in the House of Representatives.
The allegations surfaced amidst growing tensions within the legislative body, leading to public speculation and political intrigue.
Representative Wiah, a member of the House of Representatives since her election, addressed these claims head-on in an official statement, calling them baseless and harmful to her reputation. “I want to assure my constituents, the citizens of Lofa County, District #2, and the entire Liberian populace that my integrity remains unblemished,” Wiah stated. She expressed her dedication to serving her people with honor and emphasized that her decisions in the legislature are always guided by the principles of good governance.
The allegations arose after Rep. Wiah, along with several of her colleagues, endorsed a resolution calling for the removal of Speaker Koffa.
According to rumors, certain lawmakers received financial incentives in exchange for supporting the resolution. However, Rep. Wiah categorically denied these claims, explaining that her endorsement was purely motivated by a desire to promote accountability and transparency in the House of Representatives.
“I did endorse the resolution calling for Speaker Koffa’s removal, but not because of any form of financial gain or gift. My decision was based on my commitment to upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and proper management of state resources,” Rep. Wiah clarified.
She went on to state that her dissatisfaction with Speaker Koffa’s leadership was longstanding, citing instances where she felt her concerns regarding governance and economic policies were not adequately addressed.
Despite initially supporting Koffa’s candidacy for Speaker, Wiah acknowledged that her concerns about his leadership style grew over time. “I have consistently advocated for proper oversight and the judicious use of public resources.”
Unfortunately, my efforts to engage the Speaker and address these issues have not yielded the desired results,” she explained. Wiah’s position is rooted in her belief that the Speaker’s leadership should be geared towards benefiting all Liberians, particularly in the face of the country’s current economic challenges.
The controversy surrounding Speaker Koffa’s removal has caused a deep divide in the House of Representatives, with lawmakers aligning themselves on either side of the issue. For many, the situation raises questions about the broader political climate in Liberia, where accusations of corruption and bribery are often a staple of the political landscape.
However, Rep. Wiah’s firm stance against the allegations signals her commitment to defending her reputation and the trust placed in her by her constituents. In her statement, she expressed deep frustration with the rumors, stating, “I have always been dedicated to serving the people of Lofa County and the Republic of Liberia. Any suggestion that I would compromise my values for personal gain is deeply offensive and entirely untrue.”
