The integrity of Liberia’s democracy hinges on one fundamental principle: respect for the Constitution. Our lawmakers, as custodians of the nation’s laws and the embodiment of Liberia’s democratic aspirations, are charged with upholding the Constitution and setting an example for all. However, recent actions within the House of Representatives—the very institution entrusted with creating and safeguarding our laws—have cast a shadow over this sacred duty.
The turmoil within the House surrounding the push to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa is nothing short of alarming. Since the legislative session resumed on October 17, the House has been paralyzed, its purpose eclipsed by a seemingly relentless vendetta against the Speaker. The spectacle of lawmakers practicing what can only be described as gangster-style politics is a disservice to the Liberian people. These representatives were elected to work for the nation’s progress, not to let personal grievances or factional struggles obstruct the functioning of our government. Such actions damage not only the dignity of the House but also the very fabric of Liberia’s democracy.
It is essential to underscore that Speaker Koffa, like any citizen, deserves due process. Forcing his resignation without proper hearings and adjudication is not just absurd—it’s unconstitutional. If there are valid accusations against him, let them be aired in a legal forum, as provided by Article 49 of the Constitution and the House’s own procedural rules. This article mandates that removal proceedings must be grounded in due process, with a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority and a fair hearing.
The allegations against Speaker Koffa are serious and merit thorough investigation. They include accusations of conflict of interest, budget mismanagement, and illegal alterations to House structures. If substantiated, these claims would indeed call his leadership into question. However, the principles of justice and fairness demand that he be given the opportunity to defend himself. To rush to judgment without allowing Koffa his day in court would be an affront to the rule of law, setting a dangerous precedent for our democracy.
Equally troubling is the manner in which this issue has been handled. The anti-Koffa lawmakers have reportedly been conducting parallel sessions in the joint chamber, an action that undermines legislative protocol. They have pressured Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah to join their cause, illustrating a disturbing willingness to bend the rules to suit personal agendas. This kind of factionalism is divisive and counterproductive to the legislative body’s purpose.
Adding to the chaos is the revelation that the original signed resolution for Speaker Koffa’s removal is missing, and some members of the bloc are increasingly reluctant to sign a new one. Reports of alleged bribery further cloud the situation, with accusations that lawmakers were offered substantial sums to support Koffa’s removal. Such conduct, if true, reflects an alarming level of corruption and betrayal of public trust. It suggests that the pursuit of personal gain has been prioritized over the pursuit of justice—a violation of the very essence of public service.
The role of the House of Representatives is not to engage in power struggles but to serve the Liberian people. This objective can only be achieved through a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. The accusations against Speaker Koffa, while severe, must be addressed through appropriate legal channels, not by coercion or manipulation. This is what the Constitution demands, and it is what the Liberian people deserve.
Our lawmakers must remember that they serve as stewards of Liberia’s democracy. Their actions must be above reproach, free from personal agendas or ulterior motives. It is time for the House to demonstrate its commitment to upholding the Constitution by conducting its affairs with integrity and transparency. Let us reject the gangster-style politics that have come to characterize this debacle and, instead, champion a legislative process rooted in dignity and respect for the law.
In the words of Speaker Koffa himself, resignation is not an option, and indeed it shouldn’t be. Forcing him out without due process would set a dangerous precedent, one that could open the door to arbitrary removals and political vendettas in the future. Instead, we call on the House to allow the legal processes to unfold, affording Speaker Koffa his day in court. Only then can justice truly be served.
Liberia’s democracy deserves better. The people deserve representatives who uphold the Constitution, not ones who use it as a tool for personal gain. It is time for the House of Representatives to restore its dignity and refocus on the work for which its members were elected: serving the Liberian people with honor, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. This is The Liberian Investigator, in pursuit of truth and integrity.
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