Lawmakers dismiss claims of plot to oust Speaker Koon

Published: January 14, 2026

MONROVIA — Lawmakers have rejected social media claims that 48 members of the House of Representatives have signed a resolution to remove Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, with two legislators publicly describing the reports as false and politically motivated.

Montserrado County District 15 Representative Abu Bana Kamara and Bong County District 2 Representative James Kolleh, speaking separately Monday at the Capitol during the opening of the Third Session of the 55th Legislature, said there is no organized effort within the House to unseat the Speaker.

“For now, the House is focused on addressing national issues and managing the business of the Liberian people,” Kamara said. “There is no plan to unseat the Speaker. These claims are false and misleading.”

Kamara suggested that opposition elements are driving the rumors to create confusion, insisting that Speaker Koon continues to enjoy the confidence of the majority of lawmakers. He said the House remains committed to due process and legislative decorum.

“We don’t have a blog in the House of Representatives,” he said. “We have a Legislature, and we’re supposed to come to work and ensure that the right thing is done and that legal procedures are followed.”

Kamara, a ranking member of the House Rule of Law Caucus, also disclosed that he will not seek re-election at the end of his current term. He said he intends instead to focus his political efforts on campaigning for the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in support of former President George Manneh Weah’s presidential bid.

“I want a leadership that will open transparency to our people, a leadership that our people will believe in,” Kamara added.

‘Full Confidence’ in Koon

Rep. James Kolleh also dismissed the reports of a removal plot, saying lawmakers across the political divide maintain confidence in Speaker Koon’s leadership.

Kolleh pointed to what he described as improvements in the House since Koon assumed the speakership, including administrative reforms and a more functional working environment.

“Even the grass in the yard has turned green,” Kolleh remarked, highlighting what he called visible changes at the Capitol.

He said the Speaker’s leadership has contributed to smoother legislative operations, including progress on bills and internal reforms, and rejected suggestions that any bloc of lawmakers is mobilizing to remove him.