MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia’s Capitol Building has been at the center of a political storm following an alleged plot to impeach Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa. The scheme, which reportedly involved bribing lawmakers with $15,000 each to sign a resolution calling for his removal, appears to have been foiled as some lawmakers have backed off their support for the initiative. Representative Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County, who exposed the bribery attempts, played a key role in gathering evidence against those involved.
In a shocking media interview, Collins revealed that lawmakers were offered money in exchange for supporting the ouster of Speaker Koffa. He managed to infiltrate the group behind the plot, obtaining a list of signatories and gathering over $14,000, which he later exposed publicly.
Earlier in the day, a drama engulfed when Rep. Marvin Cole of Bong County District # 3 and other lawmakers, including Montserrado Representatives Edward P. Flomo and Frank Saah Foko among others, stalled Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, whom they accused of being part of the plot, from entering the chambers to executive the removal of the speaker. Invectives were exchanged, and tension engulfed the grounds of the legislature. Some of the lawmakers gathered outdoors in the open to executive such a plot.
The crux of the impeachment attempt was outlined in a Resolution of Two-Thirds Majority document, allegedly signed by 47 lawmakers. The resolution cited numerous grievances, including accusations of conflict of interest, illegal budget alterations, and the unilateral creation of new committees without plenary approval. Despite these serious allegations, the momentum behind the plot appears to have faltered, with several lawmakers reportedly withdrawing their support.
Sources indicate that the allegations against Koffa are not new, and he has previously faced criticism for his actions during his tenure as Deputy Speaker. The resolution claimed that Koffa overspent his office’s budget and manipulated the budget law to serve personal interests. Additionally, it highlighted Koffa’s past legal troubles in the United States, where he was disbarred and convicted of embezzlement.
However, despite the accusations, Koffa continues to enjoy significant support from a large number of lawmakers. Over 40 representatives have publicly reaffirmed their backing for his leadership, stating that the impeachment plot lacked merit and was driven by ulterior motives.
The Capitol Building, Liberia’s seat of government, has become a flashpoint for political tension and violence amid this power struggle. The political maneuvering behind Koffa’s potential impeachment and the ensuing chaos has raised concerns about the stability of Liberia’s legislative process. Observers warn that the integrity of the nation’s democracy is at risk if such underhanded tactics and corruption are allowed to undermine the government’s functioning.
For now, the impeachment plot has been halted, but the controversy has left a lasting mark on Liberia’s political landscape, highlighting the need for transparency and reform within the House of Representatives.
Liberian-born Emmanuel Orlind Cooper is an accomplished multimedia journalist with extensive experience covering news and stories on a variety of media platforms. Orlind's work frequently demonstrates his profound grasp of the region and its complexity, given his Liberian heritage.
Now residing in Woodbridge, Virginia, he keeps connecting with readers across continents with his perceptive journalism and sharing his viewpoint. He is well-respected in the sector because of his unwavering commitment to honesty and morality, which sets him apart in the field.
Orlind's work is more than simply his job; it's a dedication to giving voice to the voiceless, illuminating unsung tales, and advancing the worldwide conversation on important concerns. His goal as a journalist is to use the media's power to change the world, not just to disseminate information. He is a key player in modern journalism because of the inspiration, education, and engagement that his work consistently provides.