Speaker J. Fonati Koffa dismissed the authority of Richard Nagbe Koon, who was elected by the majority bloc of the House of Representatives as Speaker, declaring that he would not recognize Koon’s leadership.
Upon returning from the United States on Saturday, Koffa reaffirmed his stance, emphasizing that he seeks legal clarification and will not accept Koon’s speakership. He also criticized members of his bloc who have aligned with the Majority bloc, vowing never to sit under Koon’s gavel alongside Representatives Musa Bility and others.
Addressing the media at Roberts International Airport following his trips to Ghana and the US for inauguration ceremonies, Koffa urged Liberians to resist bad governance, particularly corruption, which he said continues to undermine the country’s progress. He called on citizens to safeguard the stability that both Liberians and the international community have worked hard to maintain.
Reaffirming his rejection of Koon’s leadership, Koffa reiterated his commitment to pursuing legal clarity on the ongoing speakership dispute. He dismissed speculation about a potential arrest order against him, calling such rumors baseless and without evidence.
“I have always been law-abiding. There is no record linking me to acts of violence, and I find it surprising that the Liberian National Police would label me a person of interest,” Koffa stated. He urged the government to seek international assistance in the ongoing investigation to ensure an impartial outcome.
Koffa also pledged his full cooperation with the Liberia National Police as they investigate the recent fire at the Capitol Building, which damaged sections of the legislative complex.
“I have nothing to hide. I am here to cooperate with the investigation to establish the truth,” he assured.
Touching on the long-awaited ruling on the ‘bill of information’ filed before the Supreme Court, Koffa expressed confidence that the court’s decision would clarify the legitimacy of the speakership within the House of Representatives.
