Africa-Press – Liberia. Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa has expressed his commitment to working with the incoming government and President-elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai. In his acceptance remarks, after being elected as Speaker of the 55th National Legislature on Monday, January 15, Koffa emphasized that the government belongs to everyone and not just a particular group or party.
His commitment of mutual respect and cordial working relationships allays concerns that the CDC lawmaker would be a potential stumbling block to the agenda of the incoming president.
Speaker Koffa shared that he recently had a productive meeting with President-elect Boakai, during which they discussed the President-elect’s plans for his tenure.
“I was fortunate about a week ago to have a close meeting with the President-elect of the Republic of Liberia. While I will keep most of the conversation confidential, I would like to say the President-elect outlined two broad visions for which we in the 55th Legislature are prepared to work assiduously. I am sure a week after his inauguration, he will be home,” Speaker Koffa said.
While keeping most of the conversation confidential, Koffa mentioned that Boakai outlined two key visions, including a strong focus on combating corruption and accelerating infrastructure development, particularly in the Southeast region.
“He also expressed that the infrastructure needs of this country, especially roads, especially in my region, the Southeast, must be accelerated, and I felt it so gratifying.
“I pledge to you, Mr. President-elect of the Republic of Liberia, to use my gavel of authority in this house to continue to work with you and to move the agenda. After all, we are all one government. Your government’s failure is the failure of the legislature and the failure of the legislature is the failure of the government,” Koffa said.
He pledged to use his position as Speaker to work closely with President-elect Boakai and move forward with the agenda, noting that the government’s success is tied to the success of the legislature and vice versa.
Acknowledging the unfinished business from the previous legislature, Koffa highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as war and economic crimes and finding resolutions for the betterment of the country.
He expressed his intention to collaborate with the President-elect in developing a meaningful agenda for Liberia. Speaker Koffa concluded his remarks by urging his colleagues to shift their focus from politics to governance for the benefit of the Liberian people.
“Again I am humbled, I am overwhelmed, and to the extent today, if I said anything to make anyone uncomfortable, create fear, or revive someone’s insecurity, that was not my true intention. I spoke from my head and not from my heart. I wish that you, my colleagues, will forgive me and give me the opportunity as we work towards building an agenda to show our children and fellow citizens our future is built,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to his family, colleagues, and friends for their support throughout his journey and vowed to work towards building a better future for the citizens of Liberia.
“I will be remiss if I do not say thank you to my family and my good friends who stayed the course in difficult times, in adversity, in scandal and slander, in good times and bad times to you, I am very grateful,” he said.
After receiving the gavel of authority, Speaker Koffa conducted the Deputy Speakership election, resulting in the election of Representative Thomas P. Fallah as Deputy Speaker.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
