Capitol Hill, Monrovia – A letter from former House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, requesting a two-month leave for medical reasons and constituency engagement, has sparked sharp debate among members of the House of Representatives, highlighting ongoing divisions within the Lower House.
Koffa’s communication, addressed to the Chief Clerk, was read during the second sitting of the second quarter of the 55th Legislature. The letter comes in the wake of his resignation and the subsequent election of Rep. Richard Nagbe Koon as the new Speaker.
“Dear Hon. Chief Clerk: Please be informed that I will be on medical leave and constituency visit for approximately two months. In light of the above, I request that your office extend my excuse to the Honorable Speaker, Richard Koon, the Honorable Deputy Speaker, Thomas Fallah and the distinguished members of the Honorable House of Representatives. I appreciate your usual cooperation and support,” the letter read.
Before Speaker Koon’s formal takeover on May 13, the House had been entangled in a seven-month leadership struggle between Koffa and Koon, resulting in a politically fractured legislature. During the May 13 election, Koon secured 43 votes, while his rival, Nimba County District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility, obtained 26 votes—votes that largely mirrored the existing divide between the now-defunct “Majority Bloc” and the Minority.
The election was preceded by behind-the-scenes negotiations, reportedly involving former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, which led to Koffa’s resignation. This came despite an April 23 Supreme Court opinion, which had affirmed Koffa’s legitimacy based on a Bill of Information he filed, seeking clarity on a prior ruling issued on November 24, 2024.
Some lawmakers and observers had speculated that Koffa would be reluctant to serve under Speaker Koon. His request for a prolonged leave, despite being present and participating in Tuesday’s session, has fueled such suspicions.
Bong County District #2 Representative James Kolleh, a key member of the former “Majority Bloc” and Chair of the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, argued that Koffa’s leave request violated House Rule 21, which, he claimed, prohibits lawmakers from being absent beyond two weeks.
However, his argument was swiftly challenged by Rep. Sebo who cited the actual text of Rule 21, clarifying that it applies specifically to absences without written approval.
Rule 21 states:
“No House member may be absent for more than two weeks without formal approval from the House leadership. If a member exceeds this timeframe without consent, it can lead to sanctions, including the potential declaration of their seat as vacant.”
With the rule clearly interpreted, Speaker Koon intervened, took charge of the matter, and granted the leave request—without further plenary debate.
Despite the formal end of the leadership crisis and a return to session, FrontPage Africa observed lingering tensions. The results of the recent speakership election reflected the deep divisions that persist, with voting largely split along former bloc lines—43 supporting Koon and 26 backing Bility, who was backed by allies of former Speaker Koffa.
