MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The political drama in the House of Representatives has taken another twist, as Vice President Jeremiah Koung alleged that embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa sought to negotiate with the Majority Bloc to resolve the deepening leadership crisis. According to Koung, Koffa proposed three key conditions to retain some level of influence amid mounting pressure to step down.
According to the Spoon Network’s Facebook page, Vice President Koung revealed that Koffa’s requests included lifting the suspensions imposed on members of his bloc, assigning key committee positions to his allies, and allowing him to preside over a session where he would officially transfer authority to Deputy Speaker Cllr. Fonati Fallah. However, these proposals appear to have been dismissed by the Majority Bloc.
The Majority Bloc solidified its position by electing Representative Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District #11 as their Speaker on November 21, 2024. The election, conducted by a white ballot, was sealed by a decisive vote from Samuel Kogar, the leader of the Majority Bloc. Koon’s victory was a major blow to Koffa’s leadership, signaling a shift in power and highlighting growing divisions within the legislature.
Speaker Koon wasted no time flexing his authority. On November 19, 2024, the Majority Bloc unanimously suspended three lawmakers from Koffa’s faction: Representatives J. Marvin Cole of Bong County District #3, Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County District #16, and Ellen Attoh Wreh of Montserrado County District #3. These suspensions were reportedly due to actions deemed detrimental to their legislative duties.
Cole’s suspension stemmed from a series of alleged disruptive actions, including his involvement in blocking the House chamber doors on October 17, 2024, preventing legislative business from proceeding. On the same day, Cole reportedly led a group into the Joint Chamber, causing a civil disturbance and allegedly deploying pepper spray during a Majority Bloc session.
Seboe and Wreh faced further sanctions, losing their positions as Chairman and Co-Chair of the Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget Committee. Additionally, directives were issued to the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Liberia, and commercial banks to halt all financial transactions on behalf of the House with the suspended lawmakers.
Koffa’s alleged negotiations with the Majority Bloc have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many viewing his efforts as a desperate attempt to salvage his leadership. A Facebook commenter observed that the suspensions and internal rifts highlight the legislature’s growing instability.
Owen Teah, a prominent social media commentator, stated: “The situation not only reflects the internal power struggle within the House of Representatives but also raises questions about the broader political implications for Liberia’s governance.” He added: “As the drama unfolds, Liberians are watching closely to see whether Koffa’s negotiations will yield any results or if the leadership crisis will continue to escalate.”
In response to Vice President Koung’s claims, Speaker Koffa issued a strong rebuttal via his official Facebook page, dismissing the allegations as “lies and distortions.”
Koffa wrote: “I listened to the distorted and inaccurate comments made by Vice President Koung on Spoon TV. At no time did I negotiate with the Vice President or the President to resign. My position has always been clear: let’s return to legislative normalcy by removing the illegal suspensions, restoring rightful committee heads, and addressing all matters in session.”
Koffa further accused Vice President Koung of orchestrating the crisis, stating: “The VP asked for a white ballot for Richard Koon, the passage of the budget, and discussions of committees after a new Speaker was elected. I rejected all of that. The next day, the Minister of Justice issued an opinion on the court ruling, clearly written for him. The Vice President’s inappropriate comments on a radio talk show exposed his role as the mastermind of this unconstitutional saga.”
Koffa concluded his statement by asserting his commitment to upholding the rule of law: “The executive can continue to ignore the law, but I will not waver.”
