Liberia-Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah’s recent alignment with the ‘majority bloc’ has sparked anticipation that the group will soon present a resolution to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
But an investigation conducted by the TNR has uncovered that the original signed resolution is missing, and members of the bloc are increasingly reluctant to sign a new one.
“We don’t have the original resolution to put on the floor. The guys are just begging us every day to stay united, hoping Koffa will resign under pressure,” a member of the bloc who preferred anonymity disclosed.
“If it comes to a vote, some of us won’t be able to face Koffa and vote against him; he’s done nothing to us. Besides, we don’t even know who they want to replace him with. The whole thing is a mess,” the bloc member added.
The intrigue around the missing resolution first surfaced on October 17, when Representative Nyan Flomo of Nimba County read the resolution from his mobile phone during a press briefing at the Capitol Building. Yet when journalists requested a copy of the signed document from Representative Richard Koon who lost the Speaker election to Koffa in January provided only a screenshot of a signature page previously posted to Facebook.
“The plan is that they will put the Speaker under pressure to resign rather than presenting a resolution for his removal,” the source said.
Sources within the bloc revealed that the original resolution disappeared during an altercation involving Representative Luther Collins. Allegedly, Collins took hold of the resolution after receiving a payment of US$15,000 from Representative James Kolleh, threatening to expose what he claims was bribery to support the Speaker’s removal. This revelation led four lawmakers to retract their support.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) is now investigating the alleged bribery. Representative Collins reportedly presented US$14,800 to the LACC as evidence, claiming it was part of a US$15,000 advance on a larger promised sum of US$25,000 for each lawmaker’s vote. According to Collins, the remaining amount was to be paid after Koffa’s removal.
Last week, the LACC summoned both Collins and Kolleh for questioning. Reports also allege that US$750,000 may have been funneled through the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation and the Ministry of Transport to fund the bribery scheme.
Within the RLJ Hotel, where bloc members are reportedly lodging, the bribery allegations have stirred unease. Some lawmakers fear that signing a new resolution could implicate, with possible future sanctions. According to sources, around 10 members of the majority block are in secret talks to return to chambers and seek removal in accordance with the Constitution and rules of the House.
