Monrovia – Speaker J. Fonati Koffa on Wednesday called for reconciliation and unity in the House of Representatives, just after the Supreme Court affirmed his leadership and ended a prolonged legislative power struggle.
In a speech posted on social media, Cllr. Koffa urged his colleagues on both sides of the divide to come together and resolve the political impasse that has crippled the lower chamber of the Legislature since last October.
“We recognize your just grievances and call on you to join us in ending the stalemate at Capitol Hill,” Koffa said, directing his message to the faction of lawmakers who have challenged his speakership for months. “Come, let us reason together.”
The Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday declared Koffa as the legitimate Speaker, effectively putting to rest months of political and legal wrangling.
Koffa welcomed the ruling as a victory for the rule of law and said his leadership would honor the judgment as final.
“The Court has ruled, effectively recognizing that our leadership holds the constitutional mandate of the First Branch of Government,” he said. “We welcome that ruling.”
He credited divine guidance and the resilience of his colleagues and supporters for withstanding what he described as “six months to endure the endurable and suffer the insufferable.”
“To my colleagues who have stood up for the rule of law at great peril to their political and financial lives, my sincere salute,” Koffa said. “Societies become great when ordinary men and women rise up to do extraordinary things. Today you walk into history with the wind at your back and the thanks of a grateful nation.”
Cllr. Koffa also praised Liberians at home and abroad who offered support throughout the crisis, saying their prayers and encouragement helped sustain his resolve.
“To the hundreds of thousands of Liberians here and around the world who on bended knees prayed with us… we are truly grateful. Without you, this advancement in our democracy would not have been possible.”
Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Koffa emphasized the need for dialogue and mutual respect, saying, “Civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us not fear to negotiate.”
Cllr. Koffa announced plans to reach out to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Rep. Richard Koon to establish a joint reconciliation and transitional committee aimed at healing divisions and moving the House forward.
“I am not unmindful that reconciliation and progress may require me to make the ultimate sacrifice, and I am not unwilling to pay that price,” he said. “But please, let us show this nation how democracies are built.”
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