MONROVIA – The House of Representatives has officially launched proceedings to elect a new Speaker following the unexpected resignation of Representative J. Fonati Koffa, marking a pivotal moment in the leadership of Liberia’s 55th Legislature. The legislative session, currently underway at the Capitol Building, is being presided over by Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah in accordance with Article 49 of the Constitution and the House’s internal procedures.
Koffa’s resignation on Monday, May 12, has triggered a swift and constitutionally mandated transition, with Fallah stepping in as Acting Presiding Officer. His role is now to steer the chamber through a politically charged process that could reshape the House’s power dynamics. Fallah, who represents District #1 in Lofa County, has called for unity and adherence to institutional norms, emphasizing that legislative continuity depends on a peaceful and transparent transition.
The abrupt departure of Koffa, long viewed as one of the most influential figures within the Legislature, has thrown open the race for his replacement, with rising speculation and behind the scenes lobbying taking center stage. Among the frontrunners are Montserrado County District #11 Representative Richard Nagbe Koon of the ruling Unity Party and Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility, leader of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC).
But in a surprising political twist on Tuesday, May 13, the Nimba County Legislative Caucus issued a formal statement disassociating itself from Bility’s candidacy and throwing its full support behind Rep. Koon. The declaration, signed by six key members of the caucus, was also a rare public admission of their central role in orchestrating Koffa’s removal from the Speaker’s chair.
“We, the members of the Nimba Legislative Caucus…wish to publicly affirm our significant role in the decision to remove former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa from his position,” the statement read. “It became clear that Speaker Koffa’s leadership no longer aligned with the expectations of our constituents or the principles of accountability, transparency, and integrity.”
The signatories, including Caucus Chairman Saye S. Mianah (District #8) and Secretary Nyahn G. Flomo (District #2), asserted that the former Speaker’s ouster was the culmination of months of internal deliberations, consultations, and growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers who questioned his ability to unify the body and advance a credible legislative agenda. The group declared that Koffa’s so-called resignation in May was the result of a sustained push for change that began as far back as November 2024.
The Caucus has now thrown its political weight behind Richard Koon, praising his leadership record, legislative vision, and commitment to democratic values. “We have full confidence in his ability to lead with integrity, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility to both the House and the Liberian people,” the statement emphasized.
The race for Speaker comes at a critical juncture, with the House tasked with major legislative responsibilities amid an uncertain political environment. The Speaker’s office is not only central to lawmaking but also holds strategic influence in Liberia’s governance structure as the third-ranking official in the national order of succession.
As proceedings continue at the Capitol, the election of a new Speaker is expected to be announced. With Koon now commanding the endorsement of the influential Nimba bloc and apparent backing from elements within the ruling Unity Party, his path to the gavel appears increasingly favorable, though political intrigue remains a constant in the House’s shifting alliances.
What remains clear is that Koffa’s fall and the rise of new contenders signal a recalibration of legislative power in Liberia, setting the stage for a redefined House leadership amid growing calls for reform, transparency, and political accountability.
