As embattled Speaker Cllr, the House of Representatives is entangled in a deepening crisis. J. Fonati Koffa resists mounting calls from his opposing lawmakers to step down amid allegations of corruption and divisiveness. Senator Amara, Mohammed Konneh of Gbarpolu County, is the latest to weigh in, appealing to Speaker Koffa to relinquish his position for national progress.
In a December 11 Facebook post, Senator Konneh cited Nelson Mandela’s adage, “Walking away is leadership, too,” urging Koffa to demonstrate statesmanship by stepping aside. “Liberians deserve a Speaker who can unite colleagues behind a legislative agenda that elevates their needs above divisiveness and personal interest,” Konneh wrote. He emphasized that the country’s developmental goals, including the timely passage of the 2025 National Budget, cannot afford to be derailed by political infighting.
The call for Koffa’s resignation comes as the House of Representatives struggles to function. The Majority Bloc, comprising lawmakers who accuse Koffa of corruption and conflict of interest, has boycotted sessions chaired by the Speaker. This boycott has effectively paralyzed legislative operations, leaving the House unable to achieve quorum for over 15 sessions.
In response, the Majority Bloc has convened separate sessions, arguing that their actions are constitutional and necessary to address urgent matters like the national budget. Their actions have been bolstered by a recent Supreme Court ruling, which clarified quorum requirements and affirmed that legislative business could proceed without the Speaker. The Court ruled that a simple majority constitutes a quorum and outlined conditions under which legislative sessions could be held without Koffa presiding.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh echoed the Court’s interpretation in a detailed seven-page legal opinion. The opinion, requested by the Executive Mansion, described the Majority Bloc’s actions as constitutional and necessary to ensure the continuity of governance. Tweh warned that any interpretation suggesting legislative paralysis due to the absence of a single official would undermine Liberia’s democratic principles.
Tweh’s opinion further addressed the contentious 2025 National Budget, emphasizing its urgency for national governance. He commended the Majority Bloc for fulfilling their legislative responsibilities amidst political havoc and urged all lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the Liberian people over internal disputes.
Despite these developments, Speaker Koffa remains steadfast in his position, dismissing the allegations against him as baseless. He has labeled the actions of the Majority Bloc as unconstitutional and accused the executive Branch of meddling in legislative affairs. Reports have surfaced that on Monday, December 9, 2024, President Joseph Boakai privately urged Koffa to resign during a meeting attended by Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Bility, a supporter of Koffa. However, Koffa rejected the President’s request, arguing that his removal would set a dangerous constitutional precedent.
The crisis escalated on December 9 when clashes erupted at the Capitol Building between supporters of Speaker Koffa, members of the Majority Bloc, and officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP). Several lawmakers, including Honorable Luther Collins, were injured, with Collins requiring hospitalization. Koffa condemned the incident, describing it as an alarming indication of executive interference in legislative matters.
“It is disappointing to see members of the executive branch and police brutalizing lawmakers,” Koffa remarked. “This indicates that the so-called absentee lawmakers are receiving aid and comfort from the executive Branch in what I consider a treasonous plot. This is not the right thing for our democracy.”
Koffa also criticized the selective presence of law enforcement at the Capitol, accusing the police of acting under executive influence. “You don’t see police officers here unless the so-called absentee bloc shows up,” Koffa claimed. “This is tyranny in its best form, and the executive branch must free itself from complicity in this plot.”
Amid this backdrop, Senator Konneh’s call for Koffa to step aside serves as a plea for reconciliation and national progress. Konneh emphasizes the urgency of moving past the political deadlock to address Liberia’s challenges as the world’s eighth poorest nation. “Time is not in our favor. This is not about winning or losing,” he stated, urging unity among lawmakers to advance the nation’s development agenda.
However, Koffa’s defiance has only deepened divisions within the Legislature, raising questions about the potential beneficiaries of this impasse. Critics argue that the prolonged stalemate distracts from pressing national issues and erodes public trust in the legislative body. Others suggest that the Majority Bloc, backed by executive influence, may leverage the crisis to consolidate power.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has marked a turning point, effectively dismantling Koffa’s argument that the House cannot function without him. However, the Speaker continues to cite the Court’s decision to emphasize the need for adherence to procedural rules. “We will continue to encourage all members to come together, reason together, and let the chips fall where they may,” Koffa said, calling for dialogue among lawmakers.
The standoff has also drawn attention to the comprehensive implications for Liberia’s governance. Political analysts warn that prolonged legislative paralysis could undermine the country’s stability and derail key development initiatives. Meanwhile, public frustration grows as lawmakers remain entangled in personal and political disputes, neglecting their constitutional duties.
In the aftermath of the Capitol Building tensions, calls for an independent investigation into the use of police force have gained traction. Advocates argue that such an inquiry is essential to safeguard the independence of the legislative Branch and restore public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
As Liberians watch the clarifying crisis, questions loom about the future of the House of Representatives. Will Speaker Koffa heed Senator Konneh’s call to step down for the greater good, or will the impasse persist, further delaying the nation’s progress?
The political deadlock remains unresolved, leaving the country’s legislative agenda in limbo at a critical juncture in its development.
