Majority of House of Representatives Moves to Remove Speaker Koffa Amid Controversies

Monrovia, Liberia — A significant political upheaval is unfolding in the House of Representatives of Liberia, as a two-thirds majority of members have initiated a resolution to remove Speaker Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa from his position.

The resolution, based on Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 9.1 of the House's Rules and Procedures, outlines multiple grounds for Koffa's removal, raising serious concerns about his conduct in office.

The resolution accuses Koffa of significant conflicts of interest due to his role as a consultant and attorney for various government agencies and private companies, including the Liberia Petroleum and Refining Corporation, the Liberia Maritime Authority, and the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).

 It states, “His involvement with these entities has compromised the integrity of House committees and violates our internal rules regarding conflicts of interest.”

Moreover, the resolution highlights Koffa's alleged dishonesty in representing the Liberian Parliament at the ECOWAS Parliament.

He purportedly submitted a list of representatives without conducting a proper election, violating the ECOWAS Protocol on elections.

“This act represents a severe breach of trust and integrity expected from the Speaker,” the resolution notes.

Koffa is further criticized for his financial management during his previous tenure as Deputy Speaker, with claims of overspending his budget by nearly $2.94 million. “Such financial irregularities raise alarming questions about Koffa's credibility and integrity,” the resolution emphasizes.

Additionally, members of the House have accused Koffa of unilaterally altering the National Budget without proper approval from the plenary and creating new committees and departments without consent.

 “His actions have disregarded the procedural norms established by our House,” the resolution states.

Perhaps most damning are revelations of Koffa's past, where he was convicted and disbarred in North Carolina for embezzling approximately half a million U.S. dollars. Currently serving community service, this conviction raises serious questions about his suitability to lead the House of Representatives in Liberia.

“A Speaker must embody integrity and transparency, and these past actions cast a long shadow over his leadership,” one member of the House remarked.

Political pundits are raising eyebrows at the sudden push for Koffa's removal, suggesting that lawmakers advocating for his ousting may have been incentivized.

Shortly after the resolution was introduced, a video began trending on social media showing a representative believed to be Luther Collins, holding about $15,000 and discussing a plan to remove Speaker Koffa. In the footage, Collins appears to have a list of names involved in the effort, sparking allegations of corruption and misconduct among those pushing for the Speaker's removal.

As of now, Speaker Koffa is reportedly out of the country and has not responded to the serious allegations or the findings of his colleagues.

The majority of members have indicated their intention to restore honor and integrity to the House, suggesting that the Deputy Speaker will preside until a new Speaker is elected within the next 60 days.

Political analysts are closely monitoring the situation, as the removal of a sitting Speaker could have significant implications for governance and the legislative process in Liberia.