As tensions within the Liberian House of Representatives reach a boiling point, calls for Speaker Koffa’s resignation are intensifying daily.
Human Rights Advocate, Anthony Cole argues that Koffa’s leadership has exacerbated the already fractious political atmosphere, hindering the legislature’s ability to function effectively and undermining the pursuit of national unity.
The House has been engulfed in a series of Leadership crises since October 2024, with allegations of mismanagement, conflict of interest, nepotism, misplacement of committee members and a lack of transparency fueling discontent among majority lawmakers and the public alike. A growing number of legislators are voicing their frustration, arguing that the current leadership of embattled Speaker Koffa is incapable and incompetent at addressing the pressing issues facing the HOR.
HonCllr J Fonati Koffa, representing Grand Kru, a county located in the southeastern region of Liberia and member of the popular opposition party CDC, was narrowly elected as Speaker in January, 2024 by members of HOR, barely over four months fellow lawmakers declared a vote of non-confidential in him, allowing over forty lawmakers out of seventy three signed up to a resolution and by that, unanimously elected Hon. Richard Koon of Monsterrado county as Speaker Koffa successor for the 55th National Legislature, a session which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah of Lofa county.
Following the decision of the House majority members to remove embattled Speaker Koffa, prompted the Supreme Court to intervene after an official complaint was filled by embattled Speaker Koffa bloc informing the court body of his constitutional rights being violated by those wanting to remove him. In regards to the complaint filled, the Court has recommended the both blocs to return to their house rules in order to settle their differences in the chamber as the Supreme Court as a separate branch of government cannot mandate any bloc either.
While embattled Speaker Koffa claims that due process wasn’t accorded unto him, therefore , demanding such, but the struggle of power at the Capitol building seems to be categorically political thereby suggesting the majority bloc members to act upon their political rights. Anthony Cole further stated that since the passage of 2025 Fiscal budget was already enacted into law under the authority of the Majority bloc Speaker Koon, it is glaringly understood that the Executive Branch recognizes Speaker Koon as Head of the HOR and that embattled Speaker Koffa should at this time resign for smooth effectiveness of HOR.
A moment of reflection, On two separate accounts, the House of Representatives had experienced the removal of two Speakers. The case of Edwin Snow and Alex Tyler. These two speakers removal are quite similar to embattled Speaker Koffa and they two were heavily criticized by citizens and resigned unlike the case of embattled Speaker Koffa.
Since the day of instability at the Liberian Capitol, several unlawful actions have been mounted including the burning down of the Capitol which is still being investigated resorting to many protest actions by ordinary citizens demanding the majority bloc to uphold the rule of Law. While the embattled Speaker Koffa refuses to resign, members of the majority bloc continue to have regular sessions in an isolated area doing the Liberian people business. During a recent session, multiple representatives expressed their disapproval of Koffa’s handling of parliamentary affairs. “We must prioritize the welfare of our country over personal ambitions,” said Representative Samuel Korgar of District #5, Nimab County, Leader of the Majority bloc, echoing the sentiments of several of his colleagues.” For the sake of peace and stability, it’s time for a change in leadership.” He added.
Anthony Cole believes the call for Koffa’s resignation reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the political climate in Liberia, particularly as the country prepares for the economic challenges. A stable and functioning House is more critical than ever, as citizens yearn for progress on vital issues such as economic recovery, healthcare, Security, Agriculture, and education.
Civil society groups have also joined the chorus, emphasizing their voices to the voice of Advocate Cole demanding a peaceful transition of Speakership. “Resignation is not an admission of failure; it’s an opportunity for healing and renewal,” stated Anthony Cole, the spokesperson of Voice of the Voiceless advocacy group of Citizens for a Better Liberia. “To restore faith in our institutions, we must embrace accountability and transparency.” Anthony Cole further lamented.
While Speaker Koffa has declined to act publicly on the demands for his resignation, his supporters contend that he has faced unprecedented challenges during his tenure, including navigating a fractured political landscape and managing contentious debates over policy. They argue that resigning could further destabilize the already precarious situation in the House and even weaken the adherence to the rule of Law.
Anthony Cole, the Voice of Voiceless warns that the ongoing instability could have lasting repercussions on Liberia’s democracy. “The legitimacy of the House is on the line, and if the embattled speaker does not act in the interest of the country since his colleagues have declared him worthless, the damage could be irreversible,” He emphasized!
As calls for Koffa’s resignation grow louder, the future of the Liberian House of Representatives hangs in the balance. Stakeholders across the political spectrum are urged to prioritize dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard in a meaningful way.
In this critical moment, Liberia stands at a crossroads, with the potential for either further division or the chance to pave the way for a more peaceful and unified political landscape.
Meanwhile, Anthony Cole calls all on Lawmakers act in the best interest of Liberia as the decision for workable Legislature lies not only with Speaker Koffa but with all those who hold the reins of power in this vibrant West African nation.
In another development, Anthony Cole encourages Central government to deploy tollbooths as means of additional revenue generation.
Addressing a Press Conference in Paynesville, Cole expressed the importance of having tollbooths at major streets in and around Monrovia, stating that the government will be able to raise funds that can better improve the salaries of police.
Anthony Cole who is known for his uncompromising adventure in advocacy, stressed that the issues of police officers being underpaid, lack of proper benefits, and many others could probably be the justifiable reason for corruption, conflict of interest, discriminatory justice system that are terrible for an uprising country like Liberia.
Meanwhile, Anthony Cole strongly condemns the poor salary structure of state security forces especially the police who are basically protecting lives and property and challenges the Unity Party led government to prioritize the welfare of police officers across Liberia.
