Speaker Koffa Rejects Resignation Calls Amid Legislative Tensions, Cites Lack of Constitutional Grounds

Emmanuel Toe

Oct 24, 2024 - 09:58

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Speaker Koffa Rejects Resignation Calls Amid Legislative Tensions, Cites Lack of Constitutional Grounds

Monrovia—Amid an ongoing political clash at Liberia’s Capitol Hill, Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, firmly rejected calls for his resignation, citing no constitutional grounds for dissolving the legislature due to his adjournment of sessions for lack of quorum.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Speaker Koffa dismissed claims that the legislature could be dissolved if five consecutive sessions failed to meet quorum, emphasizing that no such provision exists in the 1986 Liberian Constitution. "Where is the five times in the law? None," Koffa remarked, adding that adjournments due to lack of quorum follow standard legislative procedures, which include the ability to compel attendance.

The political tension escalated as a group of 43 lawmakers, led by Representative Samuel Kogar, convened a separate session in the Joint Chamber, while Speaker Koffa’s bloc of 29 members met in the main chamber. Due to a failure to meet the required quorum of 37 members, Speaker Koffa adjourned the session and directed the absent lawmakers to attend the next session, scheduled for October 24, 2024.

Speaker Koffa also dismissed suggestions that the Supreme Court could intervene, stating, "We can adjourn, and we can compel." He clarified that only the Speaker or Deputy Speaker holds the authority to preside over sessions, not the majority bloc.

Despite internal discord within the House of Representatives, Speaker Koffa rejected calls for his resignation, asserting, "Resignation is not an option for us." He acknowledged that his hands-off leadership style may have contributed to tensions but called for reconciliation within the House.

Speaker Koffa also addressed allegations against him, including claims of ties to the owners of a company, TIA, denying any conflict of interest. He emphasized the need for unity and revealed consultations with Vice President Jeremiah Koung to resolve the political divide.