Tensions are escalating within Liberia’s House of Representatives as the majority bloc moves closer to unseating Speaker Fornati Koffa.
Sources from the legislative chamber indicate that nearly 49 lawmakers have expressed their support for a motion to oust the Speaker, just short of the majority needed to activate the process.
This looming crisis is fueled by growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers, who criticize Speaker Koffa for alleged “wrongdoings,” including conflicts of interest and corruption. Several legislators in the majority bloc have claimed that key decisions have been made without sufficient consultation, raising concerns about transparency and inclusivity.
A United Front
The effort to remove Koffa is being led by a coalition of lawmakers eager to bring about a leadership change in the House. In recent weeks, the bloc has actively sought support, holding separate sessions to strengthen their position.
A legislative source told Liberia Public Radio that while the majority members are finalizing the process to remove Koffa, his supporters have urged him to resign and prepare Nimba District #7 lawmaker Musa Bility to assume the speakership. Although Bility, elected on the ticket of the Alternative National Congress, has not formally commented on this information, he remains a staunch supporter of the minority members contesting Koffa’s removal.
Earlier, Koffa asserted that resignation is not an option for him, declaring that if his colleagues do not achieve the necessary 49 votes, he is going nowhere.
The Speaker’s Defense
In response, Speaker Fornati Koffa has dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. During a press briefing earlier this week, he emphasized his commitment to legislative reform and national development, accusing his detractors of prioritizing personal interests over the country’s progress.
“This House has achieved remarkable strides under my leadership,” Koffa stated. “Our focus should be on serving the Liberian people, not on petty power struggles.”
What’s Next?
If the majority bloc secures the required votes, the process to unseat Koffa will begin. This includes filing a formal motion of no confidence, followed by a debate and a subsequent vote in the plenary. The removal of the Speaker would mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the House, potentially influencing legislative priorities and the political landscape.
Observers are closely watching the unfolding events, with civil society groups urging lawmakers to prioritize stability and the nation’s interests over political rivalries. If Koffa is removed, he will be the third Speaker to be ousted or pressured to resign in recent years. According to Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, two-thirds of the members of the House, which amounts to 49 members, are required to remove a Speaker.
For now, the fate of Speaker Koffa remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the House of Representatives is at a critical juncture, with its unity and functionality hanging in the balance.
