Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The unfolding saga to unseat House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has taken a sharp turn as several lawmakers are withdrawing their support amid growing fears of international sanctions linked to bribery allegations. The recent revelations that some lawmakers received bribes to support the plot to remove Speaker Koffa have raised the stakes, leading to calls for investigations and potential sanctions by Liberia’s international partners, including the United States.
Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Growing Concern Over Sanctions
Following the exposure of a US$25,000 bribery scheme allegedly used to persuade lawmakers to endorse the resolution to oust Speaker Koffa, multiple sources within the Capitol have revealed that the threat of sanctions is now a major concern. The international community, especially the United States, has been closely monitoring political developments in Liberia, with recent corruption scandals drawing heightened scrutiny.
According to sources familiar with diplomatic discussions, the U.S. government, which has emphasized anti-corruption measures in Liberia, could impose sanctions on those involved in the scandal. These sanctions could range from travel bans and asset freezes to restrictions on U.S. aid to Liberia. Such measures could severely damage the political careers of the lawmakers implicated in the bribery scandal.
One senior lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “There is serious fear now among many of us. Nobody wants to be targeted by sanctions or blacklisted for corruption. The pressure is mounting, and that’s why some people are backing away from the whole thing.”
Lawmakers Confess to Bribery
Rep. Luther Collins (District #2, Gbarpolu County) stirred controversy by admitting that he, along with other lawmakers, accepted US$25,000 each to support the resolution, with US$15,000 paid upfront. In a video, Rep. Collins showcased a large sum of cash and claimed that his intention was to expose the scheme rather than support the Speaker’s removal.
During the video, an aide referred to the anti-Koffa lawmakers as “rebels,” further revealing that the plot was orchestrated by Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Vice President Jeremiah Koung, both of whom oppose an audit initiated by Speaker Koffa. The Vice President’s office is yet to respond to this allegation. Deputy Speaker Fallah denied the allegation, claiming he has no intention to unseat the Speaker.
Public Withdrawals and Reactions
Following the bribery revelations, several lawmakers publicly withdrew their signatures.
Rep. Thomas Goshua (District #5, Grand Bassa County) expressed his disapproval of the plot, highlighting that Speaker Koffa’s push for an audit within the House of Representatives was the real reason behind the attempt to oust him. “This audit is a crucial step toward transparency and accountability,” Goshua stated.
Rep. Prescilla Abram Cooper (District #5, Montserrado County) also withdrew her support, noting that she had initially believed due process would be followed but could not support the move after hearing of the bribery claims. “I cannot be part of any hostile takeover, especially with rumors of bribery,” she said in a Facebook post.
Rep. Rugie Barry (District #1, Montserrado County), a surprise winner in the 2023 elections, was the latest to withdraw her support. She faced criticism following the bribery scandal and joined her colleagues in distancing herself from the effort.
Calls for Investigation
The bribery allegations have sparked outrage across Liberia, with citizens and political leaders calling for an investigation. Many have urged the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to probe the claims and hold those involved accountable.
Voices from Capitol Hill
On Capitol Hill, key lawmakers weighed in on the controversy. Rep. Musa Hassan Bility (District #7, Nimba County) emphasized the importance of due process, calling for a thoughtful and respectful approach to the situation. “While it is within the rights of the majority to decide on the Speaker’s fate, let’s ensure we do this thoughtfully and respectfully,” Bility said in a Facebook post. He also stressed the need for a formal headcount vote, allowing Speaker Koffa to respond to all allegations before any decision is made.
Bility further stated, “Follow the laws and use your ‘majority vote’ to effect change. Let us work together to maintain stability in our governance system. As lawmakers, let us embrace our roles and lead by example. For the record, I am totally against removing the Speaker.”
Senator Edwin Snowe, currently in Geneva, Switzerland, expressed strong support for Speaker Koffa, urging the opposition community to rally behind him. “The Speakership is more valuable to our democracy than Fifteen Thousand United States Dollars (US$15,000),” Snowe declared on social media.
Senator Darius Dillon also voiced his concerns, highlighting the right of lawmakers to select their leaders but underscoring the need to investigate the bribery allegations. “Members of the House of Representatives have the right to remove a Speaker, but when the process is marred by bribery, it becomes a criminal issue,” Senator Dillon stated, calling for a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
What’s Next?
With the bribery allegations under increasing scrutiny and the possibility of sanctions looming, the momentum to remove Speaker Koffa has significantly weakened. Many of the lawmakers who initially supported the move are now scrambling to distance themselves from the scandal, while others remain defiant.
As pressure mounts for an investigation, all eyes are on the LACC and international partners to see whether they will intervene or impose penalties. For now, the Speaker’s position appears more secure, but the bribery scandal has cast a long shadow over Liberia’s political landscape.
