-As Plenary Agrees to Submit Rep. Kolleh, others for Questioning
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has 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 has 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.”
The LACC emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that such claims if proven true, would constitute a grave violation of public trust and an affront to Liberia’s anti-corruption laws.
Upon receiving the complaints, the LACC said it swiftly initiated an investigation and summoned several lawmakers identified as persons of interest. However, the probe was stalled due to an unresolved internal conflict within the House of Representatives, which prevented the summoned legislators from appearing before the commission.
“In view of the above, the Commission commenced investigation and invited some members of the House of Representatives who are key persons of interest for investigation so as to establish the veracity of the allegations mentioned above. However, the investigation was delayed due to the issue affecting the House of Representatives for which the persons of interest could not appear to continue the investigation,” the LACC says.
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. With this, the House resolved that lawmakers required for questioning would be escorted by the Chair and Co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee. This measure was proposed by Margibi County District #2 Representative Ivar Jones during the House’s Thursday, May 29, 2025, session.
A Crisis Fueled by Bribery Allegations:
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. The allegations sparked outrage among civil society groups, and ordinary Liberians with many calling for swift action to hold those involved accountable.
The Civil Society Working Group, which initially flagged the issue, has urged the LACC to conduct an impartial and expedited investigation. With the House’s cooperation now secured, the LACC is expected to resume its interrogations of the implicated lawmakers in the coming days. The commission has not disclosed a timeline for concluding the probe but has assured the public that findings will be made available once the investigation is complete.
