In a fierce response to growing political tensions, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has accused the Executive Branch Government headed by President Joseph Boakai of orchestrating a “treasonous plot” against him.
Embattled Speaker Koffa’s remarks come amid ongoing clashes between lawmakers and security forces, highlighting the deepening rift within the Liberian government.
“I think there’s a conscious effort to ignore, defy the Supreme Court’s ruling. The disappointing part is that we see members of the Executive Branch and we see the police brutalizing lawmakers which are an indication that the so-called absentee, majority bloc is getting aid from and in the comfort of the Executive in this treasonable plot. It is very unfortunate,” Koffa lamented.
Continuing, he stated: “It is not the right thing for our democracy. We call all sides to step back. This is not good for the Rule of Law. The Executive branch must refrain from this treasonable act. This is tyranny in its best form,” Embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa addressing the media on Monday morning few minutes after the clash between the LNP and some Lawmakers.
The embattled Speaker expressed concerns over what he views as a deliberate effort to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court.
According to Koffa, there is an ongoing attempt to ignore and defy a critical ruling from the country’s highest judicial body.
He pointed out that members of the Executive, including the police, have been involved in acts of brutality against lawmakers, particularly those who are considered “absentees” from parliamentary sessions.
Koffa alleged that these actions are being facilitated by the Executive Branch, calling it a form of “aid and comfort” to the so-called absentee lawmakers, which, he claims, constitutes a treasonous act.
“This is an indication that the absentee lawmakers are getting aid and comfort from the Executive Branch in this treasonous plot. It is very unfortunate. It is not the right thing for our democracy.”
The Speaker’s frustration is grounded in a recent decision by the Supreme Court, which ruled on the composition of the House of Representatives during its plenary sessions.
According to Koffa, the Court has made it clear that any parliamentary action not in conformity with Articles 33 and 49 of the Liberian Constitution is without legal authority and cannot be recognized by law.
He stressed that this ruling is unequivocal and must be respected.
“The Supreme Court said that a sitting of the plenary of the House of Representatives must be composed of a simple majority, as outlined in Article 33, and that the Speaker, as per Article 49, must preside over such sessions. Any action taken outside of these parameters is beyond the scope of legal authority,” Koffa remarked stating that “This is very simple and very clear.”
Despite the escalating tension, Koffa sought to emphasize a message of reconciliation on Friday, December 6, 2024, minutes after the Supreme Court ruling.
“We put out a reconciliatory statement last Friday, and we will continue to encourage our members to come together and reason with each other,” he said. “Let us work together to move forward.”
However, Koffa revealed that his camp had received a threat the previous night, and investigations are underway.
He further described how several lawmakers were allegedly brutalized by members of the Liberia National Police, who he claims are now politically aligned with the Executive Branch.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the role of security forces in the political conflict.
Koffa’s accusations add another layer of complexity to Liberia’s already tense political climate.
As lawmakers grapple with internal divisions, the public remains divided over the actions of both the Legislative and Executive branches.
The Speaker’s call for adherence to the rule of law and the Supreme Court’s directives will likely continue to shape the ongoing debate about governance in Liberia.
In the face of these tensions, Koffa remains resolute in his defense of the Constitution and the rule of law.
However, with increasing political polarization and the involvement of security forces, the future of the Liberian government’s ability to function cohesively appears uncertain.
The entire citizenry is now placed in a state of dilemma, as the political impasse on Capitol Hill continue to deepen.
