Liberia-As efforts continue by the self-style Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives ntatives seeking to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has suspended several of its lawmakers over plot to unseat the Speaker.
CDC suspended the lawmakers accusing them of betraying the party by aligning with the ‘majority bloc’ in the House of Representatives in an effort to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The party’s action follows a legal and political battle over Koffa’s leadership, with the Supreme Court recently lifting a stay order, allowing the majority bloc to proceed with their challenge.
On November 6, 2024, the CDC National Executive Committee condemned the actions of party-affiliated lawmakers supporting the Majority Bloc. The committee specifically called out Representatives Samuel G. Kogar and Richard Nagbe Koon, leaders of the bloc, demanding accountability for their involvement.
CDC at the same time, described the lawmakers’ actions as unconstitutional, alleging they had allowed themselves to be used in what it called a dubious political scheme orchestrated by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Unity Party.
“The CDC remains committed to defending the peace and stability of the state and warns Joseph Boakai to refrain from introducing political schemes that could disrupt our recently achieved peace,” the party stated.
Among those suspended is the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas P. Fallah of Lofa County, who presided over the parallel sessions of the Majority Bloc on Thursday and again on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
CDC has requested that these lawmakers appear before the party’s National Disciplinary Committee (Grievance and Ethics Committee) to be investigated, emphasizing the need to uphold internal party rules and prevent further disruptions.
The suspensions come in the wake of a pivotal Supreme Court ruling on November 6, 2024. The Court lifted its previous stay order, effectively giving the Majority Bloc the green light to challenge Koffa’s leadership. Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. announced the decision, allowing the bloc to continue its parallel legislative sessions.
Speaker Koffa had sought a writ of prohibition to halt the sessions, arguing that the actions of the Majority Bloc represented a deviation from proper legislative processes. However, the Court’s ruling has re-energized efforts to remove him over allegations of a “conflict of interest” and a “laissez-faire” leadership approach.
The internal conflict has deepened divisions within the House of Representatives, where the Majority Bloc continues to push for Koffa’s removal.
In response to his suspension, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah expressed acceptance of the CDC’s decision and a commitment to cooperate with the party’s internal processes.
“To my beloved CDC family, I want to make it clear that my actions in the Legislature are motivated by a deep love for our country, my party, and a desire to see Liberia move forward,” Fallah stated. He emphasized that his legislative decisions have always been guided by transparency, accountability, and the greater good of Liberia.
Fallah acknowledged the CDC’s decision to suspend him pending an investigation and pledged his full cooperation with the party’s Grievance and Ethics Committee. “I stand ready to cooperate fully, with the hope that we can emerge stronger and more united in the years ahead,” he added.
Despite his suspension, Fallah reaffirmed his loyalty to the CDC and its leadership, noting his dedication during the 2023 election campaign in Lofa County as evidence of his commitment. “I have always sacrificed for the CDC and demonstrated my dedication, even in challenging circumstances,” he said.
He urged the CDC to remain united for Liberia’s betterment, expressing hope for reconciliation and continued progress. “Our journey is far from over, and there is still much we can achieve as a united force,” he stated.
Also reacting to the suspension, Margibi County District #5 Representative, Clarence G. Gahr, noted, “My attention has been drawn to a recent statement issued by Mr. Janga Kowo, Chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), posted on social media, in which I, Clarence G. Gahr, being named as one of several lawmakers temporarily suspended from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).
Rep. Garhr clarified that he’s not a member of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). He said the Coalition for Democratic Change, which included the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the National Patriotic Party (NPP), and the Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP), was a unified entity solely to contest the 2023 elections.
According to Rep. Gahr, following the conclusion of that electoral cycle, the coalition has been dissolved, meaning that elected representatives who ran on NPP or LPDP tickets are no longer considered coalition candidates nor members of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC).
“My membership remains with the Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP), not the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). I am therefore alarmed and dismayed to see my name included on a list of Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) lawmakers facing suspension by a party of which I am not a member. This act not only lacks basis but also creates unnecessary confusion and tarnishes the reputations of individuals who are members of other political entities,” Rep. Gahr added.
He at the same time, called on the leadership of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) to immediately retract his name from her suspension list and issue a public apology for this unfounded inclusion.
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