Published: February 11, 2025
Monrovia – The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, a member of the ruling party, has forcefully removed the belongings of embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his office after bursting the door open with hammer. Though Koon’s ascendency to the post remains controversial and challenged, the government has officially recognized him as Speaker.
The move, orchestrated by the House’s Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, was overseen by the Sergeant-at-Arms and witnessed by members of the press. Representative James Kolleh, Chairperson of the committee, led the eviction process, citing a mandate from plenary to facilitate a smooth transition of power.
Koffa, who was controversially removed from the Speakership, had vehemently resisted vacating the office, dismissing prior communications ordering him to relinquish control. In a letter to Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, Koffa challenged the Majority Bloc to take the office “in the same manner they obtained the Speakership—illegally and with the force of the executive.”
His refusal to vacate the office reportedly led to multiple failed attempts at mediation, prompting plenary to authorize the physical removal of his possessions. The committee confirmed that numerous notices had been issued, including a five-day ultimatum recommended by Justice Minister Oswald Tweh. However, Koffa reportedly departed for the United States without formally complying with the directive.
Notably, Koffa’s belongings were moved on February 11—Armed Forces Day, a national holiday—when no one would be expecting such an action to be carried out at the Capitol.
Upon his return to the country at the Roberts International Airport over the weekend, Koffa declared that he would never recognize Koon’s leadership. “For me to sit under the leadership of Speaker Koon is to legitimize his speakership, and that is something I cannot do at this moment,” Koffa stated emphatically. He reaffirmed his rejection of Koon’s authority and announced plans to continue seeking legal clarity on the contentious speakership dispute. He cited a bill of information he previously filed before the Supreme Court and expressed hope that the judiciary would provide a definitive ruling on the matter.
During a tense legislative session last week, Representative Austine Taylor introduced a motion compelling the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, along with the Sergeant-at-Arms, to seize control of the Speaker’s office and officially hand it over to Koon. Taylor insisted that the transition be conducted transparently, with media presence to ensure public accountability.
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