-Gives confused response to anti-Kogfa bloc
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – In a formal communication addressed to Mr. James Toubie, Acting Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker Thomas Pangar Fallah requested a postponement of his appearance before anti-Koffa’s legislators, who have since been conducting legislative engagements from the Joint Chamber of the National Legislature.
This request comes following a 48-hour ultimatum directed at Deputy Speaker Fallah, the Chief Clerk, and other members of the Secretariat aligned with Speaker Koffa. The body demanded the full attendance of Deputy Speaker Fallah not later than Tuesday, October 28. This was also followed by a threat to declare his position vacant if he failed to show up.
In his letter, dated October 24, 2024, Deputy Speaker Fallah acknowledged the receipt of two communications from the majority members, which invoked specific provisions of the House’s Rules and Procedures as well as the Liberian Constitution. The documents compel his presence in the Joint Chamber, where a group of lawmakers have held legislative engagements since last week.
Deputy Speaker Fallah emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the proceedings at hand are not only procedural but also hold significant constitutional implications. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that any actions taken are in full compliance with the Liberian Constitution and relevant statutes.
“I write to request the indulgence of my colleagues in the Joint Chamber to excuse my absence today to allow me some time to consult with my legal team regarding the matter at hand, to enable me to make an informed decision that will not contravene the Liberian constitution and other relevant statutes,” Deputy Speaker Fallah stated in his letter. He accentuated the implication of making an informed decision that respects the legal framework governing the House of Representatives. Deputy Speaker Fallah extended his appreciation to his colleagues for their invitation and understanding regarding his request for a temporary delay. “Please extend to the Honorable Colleagues my appreciation for their invitation.”
Upon exhausting deliberation on the Deputy Speaker’s communication, a motion was passed that the Deputy Speaker be allowed to consult his legal team as he requested but join them not later than Thursday, October 31, 2024. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the pro-Koffa legislators were unable to conduct a session due to their inability to have a quorum for the third time in succession. House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa was absent while Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah presided.
Why did Fallah respond?
From the birth of news surrounding plans to oust House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, many, including legislators from the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), pointed fingers at Deputy Fallah and accused him of being one of those who orchestrated the plan.
This led to a heated confrontation between Montserrado County District #13 Representative Edward P. Flomo, Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole, and the Deputy Speaker on Thursday, October 17, 2024. However, Fallah’s communication to the self-styled “majority bloc” has given reasons for many to believe that he will leave the Speaker in this fight.
This is more visible as the anti-Koffa legislators also flagged the significance of Deputy Speaker Fallah’s communication and emphasized that it indicates that he recognizes their legitimacy. This comes at a point when Koffa has pursued the Supreme Court intervention in the matter while the Chief Clerk, who also plays a critical role in legislative functions, has also not responded to two separate ultimatums issued by the bloc to her.
With Fallah’s decision, many believe that the Chief and Deputy Chief Clerks would have no other option but to follow suit. If this happens, pundits say Koffa might have no other option but to decline in the fight to maintain his post.
Another Ultimatum:
Also on Tuesday, the self-styled “majority bloc” issued another ultimatum directed at the Chief Clerk and Deputy Chief Clerk to appear on Thursday and give reasons as to why they should not be held in contempt for failing to honor their previous communication. The group also threatened to declare Deputy Speaker Fallah’s position vacant and remove the Chief Clerk and other Secretariat members associated with Speaker Koffa if they fail to appear on Thursday.
The Supreme Court of Liberia last weekend mandated that the self-styled “Majority Bloc” within the House of Representatives stay all further proceedings and actions related to ongoing actions to remove House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa until a scheduled conference takes place. The conference is set for Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
The Bloc has agreed to participate in a conference called by Associate Justice Yamie Quigui Gbeisay while simultaneously affirming their commitment to continue regular legislative engagements “sessions” on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Senate Steps in:
Last Thursday, the Liberian Senate established a five-member committee to facilitate dialogue between opposing factions within the House of Representatives as efforts intensify to oust House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. However, the report suggests that the aggrieved lawmakers informed the Senate committee that they were resolved in their quest to oust the Speaker.
The committee is being chaired by Gbehzohngar Findley, a former Pro-Tempore and current Senator from Grand Bassa County. Other members include Willington Geevon Smith from River Cess County, Thomas Yaya Nimely from Grand Gedeh County, Gbleh Bo Brown from Maryland County, and Dabah Varpilah from Grand Cape Mount County. This decision was reached during a consultative meeting that took place after Thursday’s Senate session. The committee’s role is to mediate between the conflicting parties and propose a path forward.
The birth:
Some 47 members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature on Thursday, October 17, 2024, read a resolution to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position at the grounds of the Legislature. In the resolution, the legislators cited multiple allegations of misconduct, conflicts of interest, and administrative incompetence.
The resolution references Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 9.1 of the House’s Rules and Procedures, which allow for the removal of the Speaker for cause. The resolution accuses Koffa of holding multiple positions as a consultant and lawyer for various government agencies and private companies, including the Liberia Petroleum and Refining Corporation and the Central Bank of Liberia.
Under Misrepresentation in ECOWAS Parliament, Koffa is accused of submitting a list of representatives to the ECOWAS Parliament without conducting a proper election, misleading both the Liberian public and the ECOWAS body. His actions reportedly contravene the ECOWAS Protocol, which mandates that representatives be elected by direct universal suffrage.
The 47 lawmakers, in their resolution, accuse Koffa of Overspending and Financial Mismanagement: During his tenure as Deputy Speaker, the resolution says Koffa allegedly overspent his budget by over $2.9 million, raising suspicions of systemic corruption. The resolution cites this financial mismanagement as damaging to the credibility of the House.
Another count, Alteration of the National Budget, accuses the Speaker of altering the National Budget. Count five, Unilateral Changes in House Structure, accuses Koffa of creating new committees and merging departments without the approval of the House, violating established rules, and undermining the legislative process.
Moreover, in count six, which is tagged Criminal Background, the resolution highlights Koffa’s prior conviction for embezzlement while serving as Town Manager in North Carolina, where he was disbarred and is currently fulfilling community service obligations. Following their presentation, the representatives have scheduled a new election for the speakership to take place next Thursday.
