Monrovia [Oct. 17] — In a surprising turn of events, Representative Thomas A. Goshua II of Grand Bassa County has officially revoked his signature from the resolution seeking to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position.
Goshua, who had initially endorsed the resolution, explained that his signature was part of an investigative effort to determine the level of support for the motion and to identify those behind it.
Investigative Role, Not Endorsement
In a detailed statement, Goshua clarified that he did not intend to support the movement to unseat Speaker Koffa. “My role in this matter was purely investigative… it was not meant as an endorsement of the effort to unseat him,” he stated.
Speaker’s Audit Triggered Opposition
According to Goshua, the push to remove Speaker Koffa was largely driven by resistance to the Speaker’s recent decision to launch an audit of the House of Representatives. The audit, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, has met significant opposition, which Goshua believes fueled the resolution to oust Koffa.
“I came to realize that the drive to remove the Speaker has been intertwined with opposition to such a critical initiative as the audit,” Goshua revealed.
Support for Accountability and Transparency
Goshua stressed the importance of supporting reforms that encourage accountability in governance. He called on his colleagues to reject efforts that undermine transparency and stated his continued confidence in Speaker Koffa’s leadership.
“Speaker Koffa has demonstrated exemplary leadership during his tenure, and I continue to have confidence in his vision for a more transparent and accountable legislature,” Goshua remarked.
A Call for Unity and Progress
The Representative urged fellow lawmakers to prioritize serving the people of Liberia and to focus on unity amidst internal divisions. He expressed hope that the House could move forward collaboratively to address the nation’s challenges.
In closing, Goshua reiterated his support for the proposed audit, calling it a crucial step toward restoring trust in the legislative process. “I stand in support of accountability and transparency, and I believe that the proposed audit of the House of Representatives is an essential first step toward building a better future for Liberia,” he affirmed.
This development adds a significant dimension to the ongoing political discourse around leadership and reform within the 55th Legislature as Liberia’s lawmakers grapple with the complexities of governance.
Wroinbee Elton Tiah is a Liberian journalist who has made significant contributions to news reporting in Liberia. He has written for several Liberian news platforms, including FrontPage Africa, the Liberian Investigator, Independent Probe and In Profile Daily.
Tiah covers a wide range of topics, from business and economic issues to crime and societal concerns. He is known for his insightful commentary on Liberia's private sector and the challenges faced in fostering economic growth.
Tiah also tackles sensitive and urgent social issues, such as domestic violence and crime, offering a voice for justice and reform in the country. His writing reflects a deep engagement with Liberia's ongoing challenges and the societal reforms necessary for improvement. He runs one of the biggest community radio stations in rural Liberia.