The Coup That Failed?
Monrovia, Liberia – [October 19, 2024] – Political instability gripped Capitol Hill today as the push to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from office disrupted regular legislative sessions. Reports indicate that 47 lawmakers, including several from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), have signed a resolution to oust Speaker Koffa. Notable signatories include Representative Clarence Garh of District 5, Margibi County, and Representative Ivar K. Jones of District 2, Margibi County, among others.
Speaker Koffa, who was attending the World Food Forum organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Italy with President Boakai, cut short his trip to address the unfolding crisis. Meanwhile, factions within the 55th Legislature have been pushing for his removal in his absence.
Supporters of Speaker Koffa have resisted efforts to read the resolution for his removal, leading to a tense standoff. Allegations have surfaced that each lawmaker who signed the resolution was promised $25,000, with $15,000 to be paid upfront. This has further fueled accusations of corruption and political manipulation.
Key Allegations and Political Rivalries
Lawmakers within the CDC Legislative Caucus have accused Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, and Senator Prince Moye of Bong County of orchestrating the move against Speaker Koffa. Representative Edward P. Flomo of District 13, Montserrado County, claimed that Vice President Koung is behind the effort to prevent an audit of the House, dating back to his tenure as Co-Chair on Ways and Means during the 54th Legislature. Representative Marvin Cole of District 3, Bong County, accused Deputy Speaker Fallah of corruption and betrayal.
Despite the chaos, Representative Nyan Flomo of District 2, Nimba County, managed to read a resolution from his phone, though its details remain undisclosed to the public.
Constitutional and Procedural Concerns
The attempt to remove Speaker Koffa raises significant constitutional and procedural issues. Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution stipulates that a Speaker can be removed for gross misconduct, incompetence, abuse of office, or violation of the Constitution. The accusations against Speaker Koffa, particularly the alleged provision of legal services to concessionaires, do not appear to meet these stringent criteria.
Moreover, the Constitution guarantees the Speaker the right to a fair hearing and an opportunity to respond to accusations. No formal investigation or hearing has been conducted regarding the allegations against Speaker Koffa, who was on national duty abroad at the time. Proceeding without due process would violate constitutional principles and undermine the legitimacy of the effort.
Reports of bribery, with lawmakers allegedly receiving $15,000 each to support the removal, cast a shadow over the integrity of the process. This bribery scandal suggests that the move is driven by corruption rather than legitimate concerns about Speaker Koffa’s performance.
The Constitution requires a two-thirds majority of the 73-member House to remove a Speaker. Without the allegedly bribed members, it is unlikely that such a majority exists, calling into question the legality and constitutionality of any vote to remove Speaker Koffa.
The push to remove Speaker Koffa appears politically motivated, particularly given internal conflicts within the ruling CDC. A removal based on party dynamics or rivalries does not meet the constitutional requirement for grounds of gross misconduct or incompetence.
Furthermore, allegations of conflict of interest must be properly investigated. Speaker Koffa has not had the opportunity to defend himself or address the accusations through a formal process. Prematurely removing him based on unproven allegations would be unjust.
The legitimacy of the attempt to remove Speaker Koffa is highly questionable due to allegations of bribery, lack of due process, and political motivations. The constitutional and procedural requirements for such an action have not been met, suggesting that the move is both illegitimate and potentially invalid.
