Capitol Building: Report has uncovered a plot by a group of lawmakers, including several Senators, to remove Speaker of the House Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa during his official visit to Rome, Italy
According to The independent Probe Newspaper, lawmakers involved in this effort include Representative Ivan K. Jones of Margibi, District No. 2, Rep. Clarence G. Gahr from Margibi County, District No. 5, Rep. Foday Fahnbulleh of Bong County, District No. 7, and Rep. Dorwohn T. Galeekia of Nimba County, District No. 6, among others.
Sources within this faction revealed to News outlets that their plan fell through due to a lack of quorum; they could not gather the required 37 Representatives out of 73 needed to proceed according to House rules.
Fewer than 20 lawmakers reportedly back this initiative and are believed to have some support from the Executive branch, though no official comment has been provided to IPNEWS regarding this matter.
The lawmakers are reportedly reacting to Koffa’s recent efforts to address irregularities in the budget, which have been a longstanding issue among influential lawmakers.
The coalition includes members of the Senate who are frustrated with the current Ways, Means, and Finance Committee’s actions that have prevented their access to financial resources through budget alterations.
One of the breakaway lawmakers indicated that the plan to remove Koffa was set for the regular session’s resumption on October 15, 2024, but was disrupted by insufficient attendance.
“They called us last night to discuss the need to oust Speaker Koffa because he has opened the budget process to wider scrutiny, allowing for thorough review before passage,” one lawmaker stated.
Concerns were also voiced about Koffa’s insistence on an audit of the House before the end of October 2024, which could potentially reveal issues affecting several lawmakers.
Sources suggest that Koffa’s continued leadership poses risks for lawmakers seeking resources for the upcoming 2029 elections, particularly regarding a $4.5 million allocation for yellow machines that was removed from the national budget.
It’s worth noting that a previous attempt to remove Speaker Koffa earlier this year also failed, allegedly with involvement from Deputy Speaker Thomos Fallah, shortly after a contentious election for the Speaker’s position.
Credit: The Independent Probe