After Koffa’s Ouster, Koon and Fallah Face Resignation Demands Over Alleged US$5 Million Dispute

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia's House of Representatives' Speaker Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, two key figures in the leadership struggle that displaced former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, are facing demands to resign over alleged financial and administrative misconduct.

According to Smart News Liberia, lawmakers identifying themselves as the Reformists Movement are seeking their resignation, along with that of the House Ways and Means Committee chair. The group reportedly cites 12 alleged violations, including failure to adequately account for more than US$5 million in legislative funds and lawmakers’ benefits.

The complaints include alleged changes to budget allocations and unauthorized use of money intended for constituency activities and development projects.

Further unverified claims allege that a development-related account at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has been depleted and that lawmakers received US$65,000 each. However, the information provided does not establish the purpose or timing of those alleged payments, or whether they relate to the US$5 million already in dispute.

The additional allegations also accuse the Finance Minister of shielding those involved and claim that he missed a meeting with Vice President Jeremiah Koung. No supporting evidence was provided to substantiate that accusation or establish the reason for his reported absence.

Claims that lawmakers could not visit their districts because constituency funds were unavailable also remain unverified.

The Reformists reportedly took their complaints to Vice President Koung during a weekend meeting, presenting a resolution and requesting his intervention. Smart News Liberia reported that Koung asked for one week to examine the allegations and consult relevant parties. The lawmakers reportedly threatened to pursue action against the leadership if their resignation demands were not addressed.

A separate claim puts the number of lawmakers who have signed the resolution at 60. A verified copy of the resolution and its signatures was not provided.

The dispute echoes the confrontation that brought Koon to power. On November 21, 2024, the breakaway Majority Bloc declared Koffa’s position vacant and elected Koon during a separate sitting, triggering months of competing sessions and legal challenges.

Following the Supreme Court’s April 23, 2025 ruling against sittings held without Koffa presiding while he remained available to perform his duties, Koffa resigned. Koon subsequently won a fresh election on May 13, defeating Representative Musa Hassan Bility by 43 votes to 26.

Fallah, who initially supported Koffa before joining the Majority Bloc and presiding over its sessions, also played a central role in that confrontation.

The financial allegations remain unproven. The material provided contains no responses from Koon, Fallah, the Ways and Means Committee chair or the Finance Minister.