Liberian House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa Evicted Amid Political Crisis

The Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives has removed Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from office, amidst escalating political tensions. Supported by the Justice Ministry’s legal interpretation, the eviction follows Koffa’s refusal to vacate his office and adds to the leadership conflict involving his rival, Representative Richard Koon. Koffa claims the eviction is unconstitutional and politically motivated, signaling a deeper crisis within the legislature.

Monrovia – House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has been ousted from his position following a decision by the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives. This action escalates the ongoing political turmoil within the legislature. The eviction was reportedly backed by the Justice Ministry, which provided a legal basis to support the removal.

The eviction followed Koffa’s refusal to comply with an order from Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, who directed him to vacate his office. A letter communicated via WhatsApp by Representative James Kolleh of Bong County stated this was a directive stemming from a plenary decision.

Koffa disputed this directive, asserting that the issue was deferred during a Jan. 30, 2025 vote and that further discussions were set for the next plenary session on February 4, 2025. He labeled the Majority Bloc’s eviction as an unlawful abuse of authority, further exacerbating the existing leadership conflict within the House of Representatives.

Tensions have been escalating between Koffa and the Majority Bloc, which supports Representative Richard Koon as the legitimate Speaker. Despite pressures to resign, Koffa remains steadfast, arguing that his removal is unconstitutional and driven by political motives.

The eviction of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa marks a significant development in the political crisis engulfing Liberia’s legislature. With support from the Justice Ministry, the Majority Bloc’s actions emphasize the depth of the leadership dispute. Koffa’s staunch defense against the eviction underscores his claims of constitutional rights and the ongoing contention within the governmental framework.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com