- Koffa Reacts as Majority Bloc Elects Rep. Richard Koon as New Speaker
By Jerromie S. Walters
Embattled House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa dismissed the recent actions of the self-styled “Majority Bloc” as inconsequential, declaring on his official Facebook page, “Nothing has happened!”
Earlier today, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District #11 was elected and inducted as the new Speaker of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. This decision was made by approximately 50 members of the Majority Bloc, who convened to endorse a resolution that removed Koffa from his position and declared the speakership vacant.
Koon’s Ascendancy
Koon’s election took place on a white ballot on Thursday, November 21, 2024, just minutes after the resolution was passed. In his inaugural statement, Koon pledged to prioritize the interests of all Liberians and foster a collaborative environment among his colleagues. He also expressed his commitment to advancing President Joseph Nyima Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.
“This movement is not just about me. It represents a collective dream. I hope that as I take on the mantle of authority, that I will be able, through your help, to fulfill the dreams and the requirements to this particular office. However, I want to encourage you to remain steadfast and hopeful,” he said.
Representative Richard Koon was defeated by Speaker Koffa on January 15, 2024, during the House of Representatives’ speakership election. He was supported by the ruling Unity Party. Many have argued that Koon and the Executive’s greed for the speakership influenced the strives for the removal of Speaker Koffa.
In a counter-response to his election and subsequent induction, several lawmakers from Koffa’s faction, who initially supported the resolution for his removal but later retracted their signatures, condemned the Majority Bloc’s actions as illegal. During a press conference today, these lawmakers threatened legal action against the Majority Bloc, revealing that they have already consulted with their lawyers regarding the matter.
Koffa’s “Removal”
The Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives on Thursday, November 21, 2024, officially voted to remove Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa from his position as Speaker of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. The resolution was supported by 50 representatives, according to the Bloc.
The resolution was read aloud during a session on Thursday by Acting Chief Clerk Comic Chea, following a motion introduced by Representative James Kolleh of Bong County. The Majority Bloc’s decision comes in the wake of a specialized committee’s report, which recommended that Koffa’s position be declared vacant due to his failure to respond to serious allegations raised by six lawmakers within the bloc.
According to the committee’s findings, Speaker Koffa was invited on three separate occasions to address these allegations but chose not to appear before the committee. This lack of engagement has been a critical factor in the Majority Bloc’s decision to pursue his removal.
During the session, 41 lawmakers were present, and some members from Koffa’s own political faction were listed as signatories to the resolution. Among them were Representatives Thomas Goshua, Matthew Joe, Priscilla Cooper, Rufie Barry, Alex Sonnyboy Noah, and Bintu Massally.
