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Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has criticized the Executive Branch’s handling of the ongoing legislative crisis at Capitol Hill, describing its actions as “sluggish” and driven by political interference.
Senator Konneh’s remarks follow Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh’s recent opinion advising President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to align with the majority bloc in the House of Representatives, citing constitutional grounds.
Shortly after, 28 representatives from the majority bloc expressed their dissatisfaction with House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and conflict of interest, allegations Speaker Koffa has strongly denied. The Senate, through Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, upheld Justice Minister Tweh’s opinion, affirming the majority bloc’s authority under the constitution.
In a controversial move, the Executive Branch reportedly withdrew all security details, police escorts, and convoy vehicles assigned to Speaker Koffa, redirecting these resources to Speaker Richard Koon, a Unity Party lawmaker recently elected by the majority bloc.
Reacting to these developments, Senator Konneh took to his official Facebook page, denouncing the Executive Branch’s role in the crisis as “sluggish” and suggesting it lacked urgency in resolving the impasse. He emphasized that the ongoing leadership conflict within the Legislature has hindered legislative progress, with personal interests overshadowing national priorities.
“I joined the Legislature this year with a commitment to uplift families across Liberia, particularly in Gbarpolu County. Yet, after 11 months, we find ourselves mired in a power struggle over the Speaker’s position and control of the national budget,” Senator Konneh lamented.
He further criticized the Executive Branch’s approach, pointing out the need for a more robust and independent legislative process. “It is disheartening that we cannot embark on our crucial work in this new government due to dysfunction within the Legislature driven by personal interests and the sluggish pace of the Executive Branch,” he noted.
Senator Konneh expressed hope that the Senate would have sought external legal advice, as was done during the resolution for establishing the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC). “Such a process underscores our commitment to due diligence and the separation of powers doctrine enshrined in our Constitution,” he explained.
He also called on Speaker Koffa to step aside, describing such a move as an act of profound leadership. “To my brother, Speaker Koffa, stepping aside for the betterment of our beloved country will be a profound act of leadership. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Walking away is leadership, too.’”
Despite these calls, Speaker Koffa remains steadfast, stating he will not resign and urging his colleagues to present their grievances in the Chambers as prescribed by law. “Let us unite and rally behind the President’s development agenda.
This is not about winning or losing but fostering shared prosperity for our people,” Speaker Koffa concluded.
The leadership crisis escalated in October 2024, when over 40 representatives from the majority bloc began holding separate sessions, accusing Speaker Koffa of mismanagement. On November 21, 2024, the bloc elected Richard Nagbe Koon as the new Speaker through a white ballot—a decision that has since intensified political tensions.
As the impasse continues, many Liberians express concerns about its implications for the country’s governance and reputation on the international stage. Observers worry that the persistent legislative dysfunction paints a negative picture of Liberia’s political stability, potentially undermining development efforts and foreign partnerships.
By J. Peter S. Dennis, Contributor
