Capitol Hill, Monrovia – House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has reiterated his commitment to uphold the Constitution of Liberia and rejected calls by the so-called majority bloc demanding his resignation.
Gerald . Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Addressing staffers in the rotunda of the Capitol on Monday, Speaker Koffa emphasized that attempts to pressure him out of office through unconstitutional means would not succeed.
“We can face the Liberian people; our vision is clear. On this journey, we will stand on the side of the Liberian people and the rule of law,” Speaker Koffa said. “I don’t want to be here one day past 49 [signatures]. As soon as you get 49 signatures, I am out. But this nonsense, where a few groups of people, either induced or not, come to destabilize the House and its leadership for personal aggrandizement —that bus stops here.”
The Speaker highlighted the collapse of ECOWAS-led mediation efforts due to the refusal of the majority bloc to accept the six-count recommendations. The proposal had urged bloc members to return to the main chamber and formally present their grievances while Speaker Koffa recused himself to allow for an investigation.
He noted that Rep. Samuel Kogar (District #5, Nimba County), leader of the majority bloc, initially agreed to the ECOWAS recommendations. However, upon presenting them to his colleagues, they rejected the suggestion, particularly the condition requiring them to return to session and submit their complaints on the floor.
“Resignation is an option. It is a voluntary act of mine that I will never concede to the majority bloc. We will stand on the side of the law,” Speaker Koffa asserted.
The Speaker expressed gratitude to the Liberian people for their support, noting their trust in his commitment to uphold the rule of law.
“We are gratified that the majority of Liberians stand with us on the side of the law. I don’t know when this journey will end, but I’ve made it clear: I will not resign. Under my watch and gavel, the rule of law will prevail. We will stand with the Liberian people and the Constitution,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Speaker, flanked by several members of the House turned over three vehicles to the staffers including a commuter bus.
