By By: The People News
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Tensions are mounting within the Liberian legislative majority bloc as efforts to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa face significant obstacles, including the disappearance of a key resolution and serious bribery allegations.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah’s recent alignment with the majority bloc raised expectations that a formal resolution to oust Koffa would soon be tabled. However, sources within the bloc have revealed that the original resolution has gone missing, leading to hesitancy among members to support a new document.
“We can’t move forward without the original resolution,” one bloc member stated. “We’re being pressured to stay united, but many of us feel uneasy about voting against Koffa, who hasn’t wronged us. Moreover, there’s no clarity on who would replace him. It’s all very confusing.”
The issue of the missing resolution came to light on October 17, when Representative Nyan Flomo read its contents from his mobile device during a press briefing. Attempts by The Liberian Investigator to obtain a signed copy from Representative Richard Koon, who previously lost the Speaker election to Koffa, resulted only in a screenshot of a signature page originally shared by Sekou Sheriff of Voice of Liberia FM.
According to insiders, the original resolution vanished during a dispute involving Representative Luther Collins. Allegations have surfaced that Collins received a payment of US$15,000 from Representative James Kolleh in exchange for his support for Koffa’s removal. This incident reportedly led four lawmakers to withdraw their backing.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is now investigating these bribery claims. Collins has purportedly submitted US$14,800 to the LACC as evidence, asserting it was part of a larger bribery scheme aimed at securing votes for Koffa’s ouster. He contends that the remainder of the funds was to be disbursed following Koffa’s removal.
Last week, both Collins and Kolleh were summoned for questioning by the LACC. Further complicating matters, reports indicate that up to US$750,000 may have been funneled through the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation and the Ministry of Transport to finance this alleged scheme.
Inside the RLJ Hotel, where many bloc members are currently staying, apprehension is palpable. Lawmakers are wary that endorsing a new resolution could lead to potential repercussions. Amid this turmoil, a faction of approximately ten members is reportedly engaging in discreet discussions aimed at pursuing a constitutional approach to Koffa’s potential removal.
In response to the allegations of a missing resolution, members of the majority bloc have dismissed these claims as “media propaganda.” They assert that the media’s portrayal is misleading and aimed at stirring unnecessary speculation. “There is no missing resolution,” one representative stated, calling for responsible journalism in reporting on sensitive legislative matters.
Credit: The Liberian Investigator
