Rep. J. Fonati Koffa Criticizes Gov’t’s Response to Senator Snowe’s Comments

Monrovia, Liberia: Former Speaker of the House, Representative Fonati Koffa, has weighed in on the recent controversy involving Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe and the Government of Liberia.

Recently, the Government of Liberia condemned what it called “irresponsible and inflammatory” remarks made by Senator Snowe. The government claims that Senator Snowe, who also serves as a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, vowed to use his connections at the regional level to ensure the failure of the administration led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.

“Mr. Snowe declared that he would ‘do everything possible, including using his connections in ECOWAS, to make the Boakai-led government fail, even if it means discouraging foreign direct investment to Liberia and making the country ungovernable and unstable until he becomes president,’” the statement read.

The government strongly rejected such remarks, stating:

“No citizen is licensed to undermine his/her own country and government… or plot destabilization.”

It also called on all international bodies, including ECOWAS and the African Union, to prevent such efforts from being carried out.

In response, Representative Fonati Koffa took to Facebook, warning that the government’s handling of the situation could harm Liberia’s democratic space.

“The government’s attempt to paraphrase Senator Snowe’s comment and then criminalize it undermines our democracy and has a chilling effect on the opposition,” Koffa wrote.

He also urged the Ministry of Information, led by Jerolimek Piah, to withdraw its press release on the matter.

“The Ministry of Information… must retract its press release,” he added.

The controversy has sparked widespread public debate, with some defending the government’s stance and others concerned about the implications for free speech and political dissent.

The government of Liberia concluded its statement by reassuring the public of its commitment to peace, stability, and good governance, while calling on citizens to work with the administration in building a better Liberia.