-Calls Nine Lawmakers for questioning
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has summoned nine sitting legislators for interrogation regarding explosive allegations of bribery surrounding the controversial ouster of former House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
The commission’s executive chairperson, Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe fired off formal requests to House leadership demanding lawmakers’ appearances in a meticulously planned investigative timeline. Beginning June 6, Margibi County’s Representative Clarence Gahr will face questioning at 11 AM, followed hours later by Bong County’s James Kolleh at 2 PM.
The probe continues the following week when Montserrado’s Michael Thomas and Bong County’s Eugene Kollie take their turns before investigators on June 13. By month’s end, the net widens to include Gbarpolu’s Zinnah Nowman and Bong County’s Marvin Cole on June 20, with Montserrado’s Frank Saah Foko and Sinoe’s Alex Noah rounding out the schedule on June 27.
The final scheduled appearance won’t occur until Independence Day itself, when Montserrado’s Edward Flomo must explain himself to anti-graft officials at 11 AM on July 4. In its letter signed by Cllr. Alexandra K. Zoe, with Subject: “Request for Release of Selected Members of the House of Representatives”, the LACC notes, “We write to respectfully request the release of the attached listing of Members of the House of Representatives to appear before the LACC in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegation(s) of Bribery against other members of the Honorable House of Representatives in the matter of the former Speaker, Hon. J. Fonati Koffa.”
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) extends its compliments and expresses its appreciation for the continued collaboration between the Legislature
and the Commission in advancing the fight against corruption and promoting accountability in public service. “We remain open to making reasonable adjustments to accommodate any scheduling
constraints that may arise from their legislative duties.
We count on your usual cooperation and commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability.”
The previous request
About a week ago, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) formally requested the House of Representatives to support its ongoing investigation into allegations of a bribery scheme aimed at removing former Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa from his position. The probe, which faced delays due to legislative disputes, is now set to proceed following the resolution of internal conflicts within the House.
In an official letter addressed to the House, the LACC revealed that it received two separate complaints prompting the investigation. The first came from the Civil Society Working Group of Liberia on October 18, 2024, followed by a formal petition from Representative Luther Collins on October 21, 2024. Both complaints alleged that lawmakers had been offered financial incentives to support Koffa’s removal from the speakership.
“On October 18, 2024, the Commission received from the Civil Society Working Group of Liberia as well as a formal complaint from Honorable Luther Collins of the House of Representatives dated October 21, 2024, requesting the LACC to launch an immediate investigation into allegation of a bribery scheme involving members of the House of Representatives for the purpose of removing Cllr. Johnathan Fonati Koffa, former speaker of the House of Representatives.”
With the House’s internal issues now resolved, the LACC has formally requested full cooperation from the legislature. “Howbeit, with the issue at the House of Representatives having been resolved, the Commission requests that you kindly convey to the Honorable House of Representatives its intends in this premise. The Commission anticipates your corporation and participation in the fight against corruption.”
House Responds:
During the 5th sitting of the 2nd quarter of the 2nd session of the House of Representatives, plenary deliberated on the LACC’s request. After the letter was read by the Chief Clerk, lawmakers moved to honor the commission’s appeal. However, some legislators raised procedural concerns before granting their full cooperation. Bong County Representative James Kolleh, one of the individuals summoned by the LACC, insisted that any handover of lawmakers for questioning must follow constitutional procedures.
“I will be ready to vote that the letter be stated that under the invitation extended to some of us that were accused at the time, we said to LACC that under the constitution of Liberia, it is plenary decision that should turn us over for investigation. So let it be stated in this motion clearly that not only to corporate but for us that was indicated in said communication should be officially turned over for said investigation. I want that to be on the record. This is a legal matter,” Kolleh argued. His amendment was accepted.
The investigation stems from a political crisis that erupted in October 2024 when a faction of lawmakers attempted to oust then-Speaker Koffa. The effort was shrouded in controversy after Representative Luther Collins publicly admitted to receiving an initial payment of $15,000 as part of an alleged scheme to secure votes for Koffa’s removal. Collins further disclosed that the total amount promised to each participating lawmaker was $25,000. Sources within the legislature suggested that the funds may have originated from the Executive Branch, though no direct evidence has yet been presented to confirm this claim.
