Published: October 29, 2024
MONROVIA — The youth of Grand Gedeh County have vowed to gather signatures to impeach Representative Marie Johnson of Electoral District #2, Grand Gedeh County, for her alleged involvement in a bribery scheme to remove the Speaker of the 55th Legislature.
Representative Johnson is among 43 members of the House of Representatives who reportedly signed a six-count resolution to remove Speaker Koffa. Recent revelations suggest that a sum of USD 25,000 was allegedly offered to each lawmaker involved, with each reportedly receiving an initial amount of USD 15,000.
The young people of Grand Gedeh expressed disappointment, accusing some lawmakers, including Representative Johnson, of accepting bribes in exchange for supporting the Speaker’s removal. Notably, Johnson, representing Electoral District #2, was also accused by the youth of holding an American passport.
James P. Karmee, Jr., the youth spokesperson, told reporters in the southeastern city of Zwedru that Representative Johnson allegedly accepted bribes from individuals he described as sponsors of the anti-Speaker Koffa campaign on Capitol Hill.
Amid chants against corruption, Karmee emphasized, “Given the seriousness of the Grand Gedeh lawmaker’s alleged actions, the youth of this district will solicit signatures from eligible and registered voters to ensure her impeachment.”
Karmee expressed outrage, stating it is “unimaginable” that a U.S. citizen within the Liberian legislature would “stoop so low” as to accept bribes to sign a resolution aimed at removing Speaker Koffa and undermining Liberia’s democratic structure, which has been hard-fought and costly.
“What is even more appalling is that this U.S. passport holder failed to recognize that bribery is a felonious crime under Liberian law,” he added.
He noted that the people of Electoral District #2, who elected Representative Johnson, now regret their decision. “This is not what we signed up for, and it’s shameful that it has happened in less than one year.”
“Corruption has no place in our environment. Grand Gedeans have suffered for too long at the hands of corrupt leaders who enrich themselves at the expense of the people,” Karmee pointed out.
Karmee further accused the District #2 lawmaker of violating Liberian laws since her election, claiming she “bought her way” into office during the 2023 elections despite holding a foreign passport, which contravenes Liberia’s Election Law.
Johnson was reportedly challenged on the basis of Section 7.1 of the Election Law, which requires that candidates for representative positions must be citizens, no less than 25 years old, and have resided in the constituency for at least one year prior to the election.
Additionally, prominent Liberian lawyer Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe emphasized that, under Liberian law, bribery is classified as a second-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. He referenced Chapter 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Government Employees and Chapter 12 of the Penal Law, both of which prohibit public officials from accepting bribes.
“Bribery in government is not merely a crime; it is a profound betrayal of public trust. Moving forward, we must ensure that whistleblowers are both encouraged and protected, as they play a crucial role in exposing corruption and safeguarding our nation’s integrity,” Cllr. Gongloe added.
Representative Johnson, however, has denied any involvement in the alleged bribery scheme aimed at removing Speaker Koffa.
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