While Koffa did not reveal the specifics of his questioning, he noted that much of the focus was on matters unrelated to the fire itself, particularly questions about his employees.
Monrovia – Embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa appeared before the Liberia National Police (LNP) on Wednesday, March 5, for questioning in connection with the arson attack on the Capitol Building. While leaving the LNP headquarters, Koffa expressed relief at being cleared of any direct involvement, but voiced concerns that critical elements of the investigation had not been fully addressed.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
“I felt it was my responsibility to cooperate fully with the authorities, and I am glad to have been cleared of any wrongdoing,” Koffa said. “However, I do believe there are some important elements of the investigation that need more attention.”
One of the key issues Koffa raised was the presence of Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon at the Capitol building the evening before the fire. According to Koffa, he personally saw Koon at the Capitol, and he believes this detail has not received enough focus from investigators.
“I was there the night before the fire, and I saw Koon at the building,” Koffa stated. “Yet, it seems that the investigation has not given proper attention to the people who were there, including Koon. This is a critical detail that I believe should not be overlooked.”
Koffa’s remarks highlighted his concern that the investigation had focused too heavily on other aspects of the incident, such as the involvement of firefighters, rather than those who were at the Capitol prior to the fire.
He expressed frustration that the authorities had not incorporated testimonies from those present on the Capitol grounds, speculating that their actions could be crucial to understanding the cause of the blaze.
While Koffa did not reveal the specifics of his questioning, he noted that much of the focus was on matters unrelated to the fire itself, particularly questions about his employees.
Koffa appeared composed throughout the questioning, which was accompanied by a group of supporters. However, he raised concerns about the ongoing investigation and called for more attention to be given to overlooked details.
“I don’t want to speculate or accuse anyone hastily, but there are pieces of the puzzle that still need to be examined,” Koffa said. “The investigation must consider all the facts before drawing any conclusions.”
Another issue raised by Koffa was the missing chairs at the Capitol, which he suggested could be a significant clue in the investigation. He speculated that the chairs may have been removed or tampered with prior to the fire, complicating the probe further.
Koffa’s comments suggest growing dissatisfaction with the direction and pace of the investigation. While arrests have been made, the motivations behind the fire remain unclear. The authorities have yet to release full details regarding the suspects’ involvement or the reasons behind the attack.
The fire, which caused extensive damage to the Joint Legislative Chambers, was initially thought to be accidental. However, evidence later pointed to arson, prompting a shift in the investigation. Despite several arrests, the police have not disclosed full details about the suspects or the motive.
Speaker Koffa’s concerns over the investigation’s focus, particularly its failure to fully explore the presence of individuals like Majority Bloc Speaker Koon, are drawing attention to potential gaps in the inquiry. Many citizens and political observers are now calling for a more thorough review of the events leading up to the fire.
Koffa has urged patience, emphasizing that the investigation should be allowed to unfold properly, with every relevant detail examined.
“We all want the truth, but we must ensure that every relevant detail is examined,” Koffa stated. “This is not just about clearing my name, it’s about ensuring that justice is done.”
