By By: Alphanso G. Kalama
Law Makers Wanting to Remove House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Bunched together after one of their meetings in Paynesville
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is investigating shocking allegations of bribery among members of the House of Representatives aimed at ousting Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. This announcement was made by LACC chairperson Cllr. Alexandra Zoe during a recent interview with James Butty of Voice of America.
The investigation was triggered by a formal complaint from a civil society organization on October 17. Cllr. Zoe noted the rapid circulation of videos on social media featuring claims of bribery related to the Speaker’s removal. “We’ve been conducting our own assessments and will release an official statement by Monday,” she said, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
Zoe stated that the investigation will focus on tracing the funding sources tied to the alleged bribery. “Our priority is to establish whether there was indeed financial backing for this effort and identify those involved in the videos,” she explained. The LACC’s mandate allows for investigating corruption regardless of the political stature of those implicated.
Until recently, Speaker Koffa’s leadership was largely uncontroversial, but the political atmosphere shifted dramatically when 47 lawmakers signed a resolution for his removal. Accusations of conflicts of interest and mismanagement have surfaced, igniting a political firestorm within the legislature.
Supporters of Koffa argue that the move to remove him is a desperate attempt to block an audit of the House, which he initiated. This unprecedented audit is expected to reveal potential financial irregularities, putting prominent figures like Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Vice President Jeremiah Koung under scrutiny.
In a striking revelation, Representative Luther Collins claimed he was offered a $25,000 bribe to support the ouster. He presented part of the bribe money to journalists, stating that he accepted it to expose the alleged corruption. This bold move has drawn attention to the troubling dynamics at play within the House.
The fallout from these allegations has led several lawmakers to withdraw their support for the petition against Koffa. Notably, Grand Bassa County Representative Thomas A. Goshua, who initially signed the resolution, stated that his intent was solely to investigate the motives behind it. He emphasized that Koffa’s audit initiative represents a vital step toward financial accountability.
As the LACC continues its investigation, lawmakers are urged to prioritize transparency and good governance. Representative Priscilla Cooper voiced her concerns about the alleged bribery tactics, calling for adherence to proper procedures and due process. The unfolding situation poses significant implications for Liberia’s political integrity and legislative ethics.
