Africa-Press – Liberia. — Calls it “a demonstration of my unwavering commitment to our democracy”
The long awaited move has been made, and it does come as a shocker to many observers of the ongoing saga at the Capitol — albeit less of a surprise, as foreshadowed by the exchange of communications between the ‘majority bloc’ and Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah. This was expected and it was just a matter of time.
The Deputy Speaker has joined ranks with the majority bloc, effectively endorsing their plan to oust Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Deputy Speaker Fallah responded to the majority bloc’s call to join their parallel sessions or face removal as Deputy Speaker by presiding over their session on Thursday. Fallah clarified that his decision to align with the coalition criticizing Speaker Koffa was not a betrayal of his loyalty to the CDC or Koffa, but a commitment to ensuring the House’s effective operation.
“My decision to join the call for resolving this deadlock is not a repudiation of my support for Speaker Koffa or the CDC,” Fallah noted, “Instead, it is a demonstration of my unwavering commitment to our democracy, which must transcend any one individual or faction.”
He disclosed that he made a lot of consultation before arriving at said decision. “In my 19 years with the CDC, I have never betrayed my party, and I do not intend to do so now.”
He emphasized that his support for resolving the deadlock was rooted in upholding democratic principles above individual interests, after consulting widely on the matter. Fallah stated that he did not instigate the campaign against Speaker Koffa but felt obliged to address the concerns raised by his colleagues based on his responsibilities outlined in the House’s Rules and Procedures and the Liberian Constitution.
“It is not a choice against my party or the Speaker, whom I continue to respect and support. I cannot ignore my responsibility to act when the legislative body is at a standstill, and the functioning of the national government is at risk,” he asserted.
He expressed respect and support for his party and the Speaker, emphasizing his duty to act when government functionality is at stake.
The Majority Bloc has continued their efforts to remove Speaker Koffa, despite a Supreme Court stay order temporarily pausing their actions until a scheduled conference on November 4. The bloc remains determined to pursue their objectives, indicating a potential challenge to the judiciary’s interference during Tuesday’s session.
They have also warned Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah and Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon that their participation is expected and failure to attend could impact their roles.
Speaker Koffa, with the claimed support of 30 legislators, has emphasized the need for adherence to House rules, which require 49 votes for his removal. He has labeled the bloc’s sessions as unconstitutional and called for dissenters to follow official procedures to address their concerns.
Despite the Speaker’s efforts to facilitate dialogue, the House has faced challenges in securing the necessary quorum for regular sessions since reconvening two weeks ago. Chief Clerk Sayon has been cautioned by the majority bloc that her position may be in jeopardy if she does not cooperate.
Speaker Koffa has reiterated his stance to only step down if the constitutionally required majority is obtained.
He is holding on to Article 49 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which says: “The House of Representatives shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers as shall ensure the proper functioning of the House. The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House.”
The allegations against Speaker Koffa, including conflict of interest, mismanagement, and procedural violations, form the basis of the Majority Bloc’s case against him.
However, Koffa has dismissed these accusations as unsubstantiated, noting a lack of factual basis in the resolution. He has suggested that the motivation behind the ouster may be linked to his decision to commission an audit of the House of Representatives, which could uncover irregularities involving key figures, potentially impacting the political landscape in Liberia.
Sources familiar with the situation indicate concerns among certain individuals, including Vice President Jeremiah Koung (a former lawmaker) and Deputy Speaker Fallah, regarding the audit’s outcomes and its implications on their political influence. Critics suggest that Koffa’s oversight of budget processes threatens their vested interests, with the ultimate goal of the ouster being to prevent him from presiding over the 2025 National Budget hearing.
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