In Liberia’s democracy, truth and accountability are cornerstones of the press, and we at The Liberian Investigator are resolute in our commitment to these principles. Our report that the ‘majority bloc’—the group seeking to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa—does not have a physical copy of the original resolution signed by 48 lawmakers was published with utmost diligence. Despite a rebuttal on Spoon Network’s Facebook page, purportedly issued by the bloc, the facts remain clear: this essential document, crucial for Speaker Koffa’s removal, is missing, and its absence casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of the bloc’s efforts.
In its attempt to discredit our reporting, Spoon Network published photos allegedly showing the signed resolution. But upon inspection, another issue became apparent—there were only 47 signatures, with Representative Luther Collins’s name and signature missing. This is no trivial detail; Collins was listed as the 48th signer in the original post shared by Sekou Sheriff on October 17, when the resolution was read aloud. The removal of his name raises serious questions about the integrity and completeness of the document presented to the public.
The stakes are high, especially now that Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah has joined the ‘majority bloc,’ and any attempt to unseat Speaker Koffa requires that the resolution be presented and read on the House floor. But in accordance with the law, photo and scanned copies are insufficient for legal proceedings of this magnitude. A physical, original document is required to initiate the formal process.
One crucial question lingers: if the original resolution existed, why did Representative Nyan Flomo read it from his mobile phone instead of presenting the physical document? In our investigation, we contacted Representative Richard Koon, a leader within the bloc, to request the original document. His response was evasive, providing only a screenshot of the signature page posted on Facebook by Sheriff. This evasion is telling and further reinforces our conclusion that the bloc lacks the original signed resolution.
A screenshot of Rep. Koon referencing The Liberian Investigator to Sekou V. Sheriff’s Facebook page for the signature pages of the resolution
The Liberian Investigator’s role is not to stand by as political maneuvering circumvents transparency and democratic procedures. The missing document—along with the allegations of bribery and the bloc’s reliance on digital facsimiles—betrays an unsettling level of disorganization and raises doubts about their commitment to constitutional integrity. In a democracy, those in power are accountable to the people, and accountability requires transparency, especially when elected officials attempt to overhaul leadership in the House of Representatives.
Therefore, we challenge the ‘majority bloc’ to publicly present the original, signed resolution in its physical form. The Liberian people have a right to know the truth about actions taken in their name.
Until the ‘majority bloc’ produces this essential document, The Liberian Investigator will maintain its stance: without the physical resolution, the validity of their efforts to unseat Speaker Koffa is compromised, raising concerns of a reckless, self-serving agenda that disrespects the laws and undermines the very foundation of Liberia’s democracy. We call on fellow media, civil society, and the Liberian people to demand the truth and not allow power to be wielded without accountability.
In our unwavering commitment to the truth, we will continue to defend Liberia’s right to transparency and lawful governance. This is The Liberian Investigator in pursuit of truth and integrity.
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