The (ITAI) has the House of Representatives for electing Jonathan Fonati Koffa as the Speaker of the 55th Legislature.
ITAI, in a press statement, said Koffa at the helm of the leadership of the first branch of Government which is a critical Branch of the Liberian government signifies that the Legislature is ready for business.
However, the Institute for Transparency International expressed disappointment in outgoing Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bhofal Chambers on his recent utterances against Koffa that he allegedly undermined his leadership during the past six years.
According to ITAI, the assertions from Chambers accusing Koffa of double dipping is worrisome, wondering why the defeated Pleebo Sodokan District, Maryland County Representative who has run to the Supreme Court for redress could not reveal these allegations against his own deputy until when he is about to exit the Legislature.
Meanwhile, ITAI justifies that its support for Koffa is best suited for the position because he is already knowledgeable of the functions of such capacity.
The group stated that Cllr. Koffa has over 25 years of working experience in both public and private sectors, with enviable track records, good human relations and international connections.
The NACSUL release stated that Koffa has maintained a cordial working relationship with majority members of the 54th Legislature, wheeling huge influence over some of his colleagues as well as legislative staffers.
The Institute for Transparency International thanked the newly elected lawmakers who are yet to experience Cllr. Koffa in person, for the support to his which gives him the opportunity to showcase his leadership ability at the first branch of government, and to give the Legislature a face of international acclamation and attraction.
The release observed that the integrity of the first Branch of government is of paramount interest to the State and its growing democracy; as such, electing Cllr. Koffa as Speaker is an added advantage to such endeavor.
Meanwhile, ITAI called on Koffa, as Speaker of the 55th Legislature, to work closely and collectively with the Liberian Senate, the Executive and Judiciary branches of government in moving the country forward.
The group warned Speaker Koffa not to use the position to subject national interest to party scrutiny, as doing so will only stall the development of the Country.
