Integrity Under Fire: Peace Council Urges Speaker Koon’s Resignation Amid Explosive Personal and Ethical Scandal

Monrovia, Liberia: Samuel O. Philip, head of the Liberia Independent Council for Peace and Reconciliation, has alarmed over an allegation made by Mrs. Cecelia Kpor Koon claiming that Speaker Richard Koon is her husband. The Council notes with profound distress the multiple serious allegations circulating in public and on social media, which linked the speaker to

 Marital Fraud and Bigamy: A woman identifying as Mrs. Cecelia Kpor Koon has publicly alleged she is married to Speaker Koon and has called for his resignation, describing him as a "criminal. Detailed accounts suggest this marriage may have been orchestrated for U.S. immigration benefits, involving accusations of forged signatures on marriage documents.

· Questionable Familial and Citizenship Status: The same individual, Cecelia Kpor, has claimed that Speaker Koon is not a Liberian citizen but a Nigerian. This claim appears corroborated by a separate assertion from an individual in Nigeria identifying as Doris, who claims the Speaker is her biological brother. This assertion is complicated by the Speaker's own reference to her as "my sister, Mrs. Cecelia Koon Kpor" in a public statement, creating a deeply confusing and concerning narrative about their true relationship and his eligibility for office.

· Neglect of Parental Duties: Separate allegations have emerged from Madam Verma Walker claiming the Speaker has failed to provide support for an eleven-year-old child, raising serious questions about his personal responsibility and moral character.

· A Pattern of Ethical Lapses: This scandal follows Speaker Koon's recent stunning admission that the removal of his predecessor, former Speaker Fonati Koffa, was an act of "political payback" and not based on the ethical grounds originally presented to the Liberian people.  The pattern undermines the foundational integrity of the House.

 While Speaker Koon has urged those with claims to "use the courts for redress" and stated his commitment to leadership "rooted in character, discipline, and integrity, this response is insufficient. The scale and nature of these allegations touching on fraud, citizenship, and abuse of power transcend private legal matters. They represent a direct assault on the credibility of one of the nation's three highest offices.

The Liberia Independent Elder Council for Peace and Reconciliation firmly believes that leadership, especially at the pinnacle of the legislative branch, must be held to the highest possible standard. The cloud of suspicion now hanging over the Speaker's Chair does not merely tarnish one individual; it paralyzes the moral authority of the entire Legislature and erodes public confidence at a time when national unity and trust are paramount

This moment recalls the precedent of Cllr. NdubusiNwabudike, whose nomination to the National Elections Commission was blocked by the Legislature and later invalidated by the courts due to unresolved questions regarding his citizenship and documentation. This established that questions of eligibility and integrity for high office must be resolved with utmost seriousness and transparency.

1.  Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon to immediately and honorably recuse himself from the positions of Speaker of the 55th Legislature and Representative of District #11. He must step aside to allow for an independent investigation free from the influence of his office.

2. That President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the leadership of the National Legislature to initiate a swift, credible, and comprehensive investigation into all allegations including those of immigration fraud, bigamy, perjury, and ethical misconduct. This investigation must involve all relevant national agencies.

3. The justice system must function without fear or favor to ensure that all parties, regardless of position, are subject to the full measure of the law.

 The peace and reconciliation of our nation are built upon a foundation of truth, accountability, and justice. Allowing these allegations to fester without decisive action invites cynicism and disorder. We urge all branches of government to act now to restore sanity, integrity, and public trust in the Republic of Liberia.

About the Liberia Independent Elder Council for Peace and Reconciliation:

The Council is a non-partisan body of esteemed elders dedicated to fostering national unity, ethical governance, and peaceful dialogue in Liberia.