A member of the minority bloc in Liberia’s House of Representatives has accused the majority bloc of disrespecting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation tasked with mediating the parliamentary crisis.
The dispute centers on the attempt to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa over allegations of conflict of interest.
Representative Eugene J.M. Kollie, a staunch supporter of Speaker Koffa, condemned the majority bloc’s actions, arguing they undermine constitutional procedures and disregard ECOWAS’s mediation efforts. “The majority has shown complete disrespect for constitutional processes and the recommendations of ECOWAS,” Kollie told VOA’s James Butty.
For weeks, lawmakers claiming to represent the majority in the House have called for Speaker Koffa’s removal, citing alleged misconduct in undisclosed matters. Kollie, however, dismissed these accusations as politically motivated, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional and legislative rules.
“The removal of the Speaker must be guided by the Constitution and the House’s rules. Any deviation undermines the democratic process and weakens our governance,” Kollie stated. He further criticized the majority bloc for creating unnecessary divisions and jeopardizing Liberia’s political stability.
The ECOWAS delegation recently urged lawmakers to prioritize dialogue and adhere to legislative procedures to prevent the impasse from escalating. Observers warn that the apparent dismissal of these recommendations could have significant implications for Liberia’s political stability and institutional credibility.
The controversy over Speaker Koffa’s leadership has polarized opinions among lawmakers, political analysts, and the public. While his supporters view the allegations as baseless and politically driven, proponents of his removal argue that his alleged actions compromise the integrity of the Legislature.
As the crisis continues, calls for calm and constitutional adherence grow louder. ECOWAS and other stakeholders are expected to intensify mediation efforts to safeguard Liberia’s democratic principles and institutional stability.
