Liberia-Despite the division within the House of Representatives over the removal of its Speaker, the Government of Liberia still recognizes the legitimacy of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa as leader of that august body.
The Liberian government and the international community continue to uphold the legitimacy of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, despite a faction within the House of Representatives controversially seeking his removal. Amid the stalemate in the House, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has invited Speaker Koffa to participate in a validation exercise for the government’s draft ARREST Agenda.
Despite the dispute, Information Minister Jerelinmek Piah clarified that the government will continue to recognize Koffa as the legitimate Speaker. Addressing concerns about the impending 2025 Draft National Budget, Piah stated, “The Speaker is still the Speaker of the House and hasn’t been removed, so when the budget is finalized, it will be submitted to him.”
At the same time, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has scheduled a mission to Liberia from November 6 to 19 to review the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program. The IMF Resident Representative in Liberia has formally requested a meeting with Speaker Koffa and legislative leaders on November 18 to discuss updates on the ECF program.
Amid calls for his resignation, Speaker Koffa has firmly resisted, declaring that he will only step down if his opponents secure the constitutionally required two-thirds majority-equivalent to 49 members in the House. Currently, the dissenting lawmakers numbered 43, falling short of the threshold necessary to formally unseat him.
In the face of this shortfall, the breakaway group has resorted to conducting separate sessions in the legislature’s joint chamber, a move Speaker Koffa has denounced as unconstitutional. On Wednesday, the Speaker made a cryptic post on his WhatsApp status, stating, “The enemy made a grave mistake.” The specifics of his message remain unclear.
The faction seeking Speaker Koffa’s removal alleged that he has breached ethical standards by serving as a legal consultant for both government and private entities while in office. Additionally, they claim he misappropriated substantial funds, amounting to millions, during his tenure as Deputy Speaker. These accusations have intensified the internal discord within the legislative body.
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