Monrovia – After months of legal and political turmoil, J. Rep. Fonati Koffa has officially resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives. In his resignation speech on Monday, Coffa cited what he called an executive division failure to respect the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of his speech.
“The Supreme Court made it clear. I think even the smallest child in the school can understand what the court said. Fonaty said he was a speaker. What happened was illegal,” Cofa said. “Then the rules of the game shifted when the president said he would go back to his original position, and this was about dealing with the majority bloc.
President Joseph Boachey faces growing criticism for his perceived role in the long-term impasse in the home. Many expected him to fully implement the Supreme Court decision and extend all privileges and immunity, including security, to those who speak Kofa. Instead, Boakai responded by stating that he would work in functional quorum.
Koffa said the situation has become unacceptable, especially after the intelligence of potential violence at the Capitol and the increased militarization within the parliament.
“Our choice was to go to the Capitol tomorrow and risk or avoid repeated violence.
The majority of Bullock has received insightful criticism for MP Richard Coon’s openly rebellious rebelliousness and for disregarding the Supreme Court’s decision, citing Rep. James Corey’s threat to launch a perpetual proceeding against the judge. Bullock also withheld the salaries and benefits of lawmakers that it suspended — the action the Supreme Court later found to be illegal.
“How long can I have 60 employees who have not been paid for six months stay?” asked Coffa. “How can I ask my colleagues who have endured this fight, especially when they start to lose some of their most dedicated members after the president’s statement?”
Addressing rumors that he had been paid to resign, Coffa strongly denied the financial incentive.
“If I wanted to take money for this, it would have happened before the arbitration. It would have been more valuable. We spent six or seven months without pay, gas, nothing.
He confirmed that discussions took place prior to his resignation regarding the recovery of his suspended colleague.
“Yes, we had an argument. I showed my intention to resign and requested that my colleagues pay and benefits be paid.
For staff members still in custody in connection with the fire in the Capitol building, Coffa asked international investigators to take over the investigation.
“We’ve always said this. I can’t negotiate criminal matters in political settlements, which suggests I’m a crime. This case is politicized and I’m asking international investigators to take it down.
Asked whether his resignation was part of a contract for the new speaker to be elected, he replied.
“I cannot negotiate the law. If I resign, a vacancy will be created. And the law must select a new speaker. That’s the constitutional obligation.”
Regarding what’s ahead for him, Coffa revealed plans to publish a book entitled “1 to 73: The Conspiracy at the Capitol,” documenting his ordeal.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives granted the receipt of Coffa’s resignation and announced plans to hold today’s new election on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
“This house is committed to maintaining democratic values and working diligently to serving the people of Liberia,” the statement concluded.
While the majority of blocs previously ignored the Supreme Court verdict in favour of the Supreme Court’s position, observers say the development presents vice-chairman Thomas Farah an opportunity to restore credibility and order to the home by presiding a fair and transparent election within the 60-day period required by the law.
Potential candidates appear
Meanwhile, following the announcement, two possible candidates for speakerships appeared: Musa Bility and Richard Koon.
BILITY’s bid: Testing of opposition unity
Representative Musa Billith, who chairs the House minority under the Legal Rulers Caucus, holds the position of unity of lawmakers disillusioned with recent political developments, particularly the controversial distribution of the Legislative Committee during the Interim Leader of Kuhn. His block remained largely unharmed through a seven-month deadlock that ultimately forced Coffa to resign.
Bility has received significant support from Koffa himself, and analysts believe this will help him gain support from dissatisfied members of the majority bloc.
However, the vality path to speakership faces a significant hurdle. Executives have reported that speakers are tailored to their agenda. This political pressure, backed by potential financial incentives, could support Kuhn to shake up undecided lawmakers.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
Koon’s candidacy: support for enforcement, but internal doubts
Representative Kuhn is considered a key figure in the enforcement-promoting majority bloc and is widely seen as a favorite in Tuesday’s election. He reportedly enjoys the support of the 47 lawmakers who reaffirmed their support before the vote.
Koon’s biggest strength lies in his collaboration with his executives, which made it clear that he wants a more cooperative parliament.
But internal concerns persist. Some members of the majority of the block are reportedly worried about how the Legislative Commission was restrained and may rethink their loyalty. Additionally, some of Kuhn’s supporters previously coincided with Bility’s Rule of Law Caucus, raising questions about their long-term commitment.
Split home braces for key voting
With the House still deep division and executive influence looming, Tuesday’s election is expected to be closely contested. Lawmakers on both sides are engaged in intense negotiations that are intensifying behind the scenes.
The outcome not only determines who will lead the House, but could also shape the balance of power between Congress and executives in the near future.
