In a recent live interview with Spoon Media Network last evening, Speaker Fonati Koffa addressed the ongoing conspiracy allegations aimed at ousting him from his position as the third most powerful official in Liberia. The seasoned lawyer and politician firmly asserted that resignation is not an option, stating, “You need 49 votes to remove the Speaker, and with just 37 votes, you can have a quorum. We respect the rule of law. To remove me, they must obtain 49 votes, which I believe they will not get.”
Cllr. Koffa expressed his determination to remain in office despite the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of legal adherence in the face of opposition. “If opposing lawmakers fail to report to work, we will utilize the Supreme Court,” he declared. He vehemently denied the allegations against him, labeling them as lies stemming from a lack of proper investigation. “I have no relationship with my law firm. All the consultancy talk is pure fabrications,” he asserted.
The Speaker pointed to an impending audit as a potential catalyst for the push to unseat him, claiming that the resolution to remove him was an attempt to sidestep this investigation. “They are lying about me preventing the audit. The same individuals controlling the financial system are those who manipulate the budget,” Koffa explained. He expressed disbelief that former allies would conspire against him simply because he refused to provide them with “free money” for their usual business practices.
Reaffirming his loyalty to President George Weah and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Koffa stated, “I am not running for president in 2029. Another Sasstown boy will not run against another Sasstown boy,” referring to their shared hometown in Grand Kru County.
Koffa took pride in promoting transparency within the legislative process, revealing that under his leadership, the national budget has been made public. He criticized past practices in the 54th legislature, where negotiations were conducted behind closed doors for personal gain. “The same budget cartels are the ones now signing the resolution against me,” he noted.
Despite the looming threat to his leadership, Koffa demonstrated resilience, saying, “If they manage to remove me, I will simply say thank you. They didn’t kill me. It is the cartel pushing for my removal. If they gather the 49 votes, they can proceed, but as a Juris Doctor, I will still find work.”
In closing, Koffa expressed sympathy for Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, who is also facing controversy, and promised to reach out to colleagues who have wrongly accused him. His remarks highlight not only his commitment to his role but also the escalating tensions within the legislative body, setting the stage for a significant political showdown in Liberia.
