MONROVIA — Montserrado County Electoral District #1 Representative, Rugie Yatu Barry, has reversed her previous consent to a resolution reportedly signed by 47 members of the House of Representatives for the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
On Thursday, the grounds of the Capitol Building in Monrovia turned chaotic, with pro- and anti-Koffa lawmakers clashing in the ongoing political fight to unseat the current Speaker. Representative Barry was one of the lawmakers who affixed their signatures to the resolution.
A few hours after the signing, news surfaced among some lawmakers that each was allegedly induced with US$25,000, with US$15,000 reportedly given as an advance payment as part of a “pay-to-play” scheme to remove the Speaker. Allegations tied the plot to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as masterminds.
Following the “pay-to-play” allegations, which have stirred mixed reactions nationwide, Representative Barry, along with three other lawmakers who signed the resolution, withdrew her signature.
In a press statement issued over the weekend, Barry confirmed signing the resolution but clarified that her decision was not influenced by financial incentives.
“Let me be clear: I signed the resolution void of any cash/money influence to address policy and procedural issues within the Legislature/House of Representatives,” she stated.
Representative Barry emphasized that these policy and procedural issues include removing district development funds from the budget and amending the rules of the House of Representatives, among other concerns.
“Addressing procedural issues doesn’t in any way justify the display that occurred at the Capitol Building yesterday, a place meant for honorable men and women,” she stressed.
She expressed shock over the revelations of cash disbursements among her colleagues. “It has now come to my attention that some members of the House are alleged to have received money for their signatures to remove the Speaker.”
“For the record, I, Rugie Yatu Barry, did not receive any money to support the removal of Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa,” she clarified, adding that she has built her integrity throughout her life and will not allow her character to be tarnished.
“Therefore, in light of the above, I, Hon. Rugie Yatu Barry, Representative of Electoral District #1, Montserrado County, hereby officially withdraw my signature from the petition to remove Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the 55th Legislature,” she stated, rescinding her decision.
Representative Barry also urged her colleagues to remain calm and civil amidst the controversy. “I call on all sides to step back and engage in conversations that will lead us to doing the business of the Liberian people.”
She further called for an audit of the House of Representatives and urged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to investigate the bribery allegations to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
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