Liberia News: CDC ‘Judases!’

…Another Members Defect To ‘Majority Bloc’

By Washington Tumay Watson

Liberia-Many ‘sycophants’ are surfacing in the House of Representatives as they are now showing their true colors to the man they once hailed as their leader.

Following the betrayal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa by his own deputy Thomas Fallah who are all members of the same political party-the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), two members have also defected to the self-styled ‘Majority Bloc’ seeking the removal of their own man, Speaker Koffa.

The impasse in the House of Representatives over the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa is becoming dramatic by the day as the Speaker numbers are declining in light of the defections of two of his once cherished strong supporters to the self-styled majority bloc seeking his removal.

A day after the Speaker held a press conference and reiterated his determination to fight on, not to bulge to pressure for resignation, Montserrado County 17^th District Representative, Bernard Benson and Gbarpolu County District 1^st District Representative Zinnah Normam, all members of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) crossed to the other side, joining other CDC lawmakers like Thomas Fallah who have since crossed over to the self-styled Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives.

Representatives Benson and Norman announced their decision to cross to the bloc on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, during yesterday’s session of the majority bloc in the joint chamber of the Legislature presided over by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah who also left the speaker’s camp.

With the crossing over of both Representatives Benson and Norman, the majority bloc number has increased to 45 with needing just four (4) more members of the House to get the constitutionally required 49 to oust Speaker Jonathan F. Koffa.

In brief remarks when he announced his decision to cross over, Gbarpolu County District #1 Representative, Zinnah Norman of the CDC asserted that his decision is intended to do the Liberian people’s work and not to hold the country hostage.

According to the lawmaker, he joined the majority bloc to reach the required number to remove the speaker whom he has been fully supporting for the past months.

It can be recalled that Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, an executive of the CDC decision to cross over to the renegade lawmakers was the first act of betrayal experienced by Speaker Koffa from his own political party something which prompted the Executive Committee of the party to suspend the deputy speaker from the CDC including other CDC lawmakers who are seeking the removal of Speaker Koffa. 

Meanwhile, as the power struggle intensifies in the House of Representatives, the majority bloc has suspended three lawmakers for alleged misconduct and welcomed two new members into its fold.

The suspended lawmakers include, Montserrado County District #13 Representative Edward P. Flomo, District #14 Representative Abu Kamara, and Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole, all supporters of the embattled Speaker.

The face a 30-day suspension that includes forfeiture of salaries and legislative benefits. The decision, made unanimously by the majority bloc with three abstentions, prohibits the lawmakers from accessing Capitol grounds during their suspension.

The breakaway lawmakers who have vowed not to sit under the gavel of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa have appointed new leaders in key legislative committees. Representative Mike Jurry of Maryland County District #1 has been appointed Acting Chair on Ways, Means, and Finance, replacing ousted Representative Dixon Seboe. Representative James Kolleh of Bong County District #2 now serves as Acting Chair on Rules, Order, and Administration, replacing Marvin Cole while Representative Prince Koniah of Bong County District #1 has assumed the position of Acting Co-Chair of the Committee on Public Accounts and Audit, replacing Representative Dorwon Gleekia.

These changes come as the Majority Bloc continues to consolidate power within the House of Representatives.

At the same time, the majority bloc has endorsed a budget communication submitted by President Joseph Boakai. The US$851.8 million draft budget, which prioritizes key areas including education, healthcare, and infrastructure under the ARREST Agenda, was introduced during Tuesday’s session of the majority bloc.

Speaker Koffa has insisted that the bloc’s session is illegal and unconstitutional. Speaker Koffa, whose leadership has been under sustained challenge, stated that he would only step down if the Anti-Koffa Bloc secures 49 votes to remove him.