The ruling Unity Party distances itself from ongoing campaign in the House of Representatives to oust Speaker Koffa of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change, saying the CDC is in a frenzy.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah (contributor)
Monrovia, Liberia, October 31, 2024 – Unity Party Chairman Rev. Luther Tarpeh says the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) is politically in disarray.
His criticism is in response to CDC Chairman Janga Kowo’s recent allegation that the ruling Unity Party is orchestrating Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s removal.
However, Chairman Tarpeh describes Kowo’s allegation as ludicrous and unfortunate, noting that it is laughable that members of the CDC fail to recognize that the Legislature operates according to its own rules.
“Even the CDC lawmakers—almost eleven of them—are on the majority bloc side. Is he insinuating that the UP has blinded its lawmakers into abandoning their speaker?
Kowo and the CDC have continually complained, but we are committed to leading this country. President Boakai is a man of peace, and the Liberian people recognize that,” he states.
Asked if the ruling party was not behind the removal of Speaker Koffa, and it did not instruct UP lawmakers in the House to leave the majority bloc and maintain neutrality, Rev. Tarpeh says he is aware of the Liberian Constitution and understands that the House of Representatives has its own rules governing its processes.
However, he quickly questions the CDC’s stance on accusations from Bong County lawmaker Marvin Cole, who alleges that Deputy Speaker Rep. Thomas Fallah of the CDC is the chief architect behind current plot to remove Speaker Koffa.
“They are the ones who voted for Speaker Koffa, and if they decide to remove him, the Unity Party will not interfere. All I can call for is for them to remain calm and sort out their issues because the jobs of the Liberian people need to be addressed.”
The Unity Party Chairman was responding to allegations from CDC Chairman Janga Kowo, who claims that the governing party financially induced the plot to remove the 55th Speaker of the Legislature. Kowo made the claims Wednesday, October 30, 2024, during an interview with State Broadcaster ELBC.
Meanwhile, he has threatened punitive measures against CDC officials involved in plotting Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s removal.
Kowo emphasizes that the lawmakers’ actions breach party trust, particularly because Speaker Koffa is a member of the CDC.
“Those CDC lawmakers who are not supporting the Speaker, we are engaging with them and encouraging them to back him. We are also urging them to desist from any behavior aimed at removing the Speaker,” he pleads.
Responding to the question of whether the CDC would reprimand those acting contrary to the party’s mandate, he emphatically notes that the time will come, as everyone has been warned about the repercussions.
Chairman Kowo continues that while lawmakers have the right to take a position at the national legislature, they should balance their actions with legal procedures in seeking Speaker Koffa’s removal.
In another development, Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah, also a CDCian, is requesting additional time to consult with his lawyers before responding to the invitation extended to him by his colleagues from the majority bloc.
The majority bloc, consisting of 43 members of the House of Representatives, is pushing for the removal of the Speaker, which has intensified political tension within the chamber.
The push for removal follows escalating tensions, with some representatives accusing Speaker Koffa of serious corruption and ineffective leadership amid heightened political instability within the House.
Last week, a faction of the House that opposes Speaker Koffa invited Deputy Speaker Fallah to join their effort to remove him.
In a carefully crafted response, Fallah requested to be excused from the current session, emphasizing the importance of consulting with his legal team before reaching a decision that may come with significant constitutional consequences. Editing by Jonathan Browne
