Article forty-nine (49) of the Constitution states that the “House of Representatives of Liberia shall elect once every six years their Speaker and other officers; and the Speaker as the presiding officer of the House.” It also states that the House shall have the sole power of impeachment and removal from office of the Speaker and other officers by a resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House.
By William W. Tuider Sr. | Political Leader, Democratic National Allegiance
It is unclear to the Liberian people what Speaker Koffa has done to warrant his removal from office. What is clear is that some members of the House have been bribed by people who are resentful of his work, or his enemies who seek his downfall.
The situation surrounding Speaker Koffa raises serious concerns about the potential manipulation of political processes through bribery. While the House has the right to remove the Speaker from office for whatever reason it sees fit, this must be done without quid pro quo, particularly bribery. Bribing members of the House to galvanize support for a Speaker’s removal is dishonest, unethical, and unquestionably illegal, as bribery only serves the interests of the House members involved and not the Liberian people.
To maintain public trust, it is crucial that allegations of corruption be investigated thoroughly. I therefore call on President Boakai to instruct the Ministry of Justice to conduct a full investigation into the House members who accepted bribes, and those behind the bribery, to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Addressing corruption is essential for fostering a stable and progressive society. The Liberian people deserve a government that not only condemns unethical practices but also actively works to eradicate them. It is incumbent upon the government to take extreme measures in fighting and prosecuting corruption, to put an end to the culture of impunity. Corruption has been a cancer in our society, stifling progress for the Liberian people.
By tackling these issues head-on, the government can demonstrate its commitment to serving the interests of the people and creating a fairer political environment. Promoting transparency and holding individuals accountable can help rebuild faith in public institutions and encourage civic engagement.
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