By Grace Q. Bryant
“My choice to support this call to resolve the current deadlock is not a rejection of my support for Speaker Fonati Koffa or the CDC; rather, it’s a commitment to uphold our democracy beyond any single individual or faction,” Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah revealed as he officially joined the 43 defiant lawmakers.
“My decision to join the call for resolving this deadlock is not a repudiation of my support for Speaker Koffa or the CDC; it is instead a demonstration of my unwavering commitment to our democracy, which must transcend any one individual or faction. My interest here, therefore, is to ensure that I have the opportunity of listening to the concerns of my colleagues,” he said.
“My decision to listen to them at this stage is in respect of our rules and procedures, and the Liberian Constitution. It is not a choice against my party or the Speaker, whom I continue to respect and support. In so doing, I cannot ignore my responsibility to act when the legislative body is at a standstill and the functioning of the national government is at risk,” he maintained.
The House of Representatives has been on a brawl for three weeks on the removal of Koffa as presiding officer which many believed is driven by huge cash being dished out to several lawmakers who were also bent on flexing muscles on their deputy presiding to join them as the tension persisted the Legislature.
Fallah’s choice falls on the odds of the faction of lawmakers who are accusing Koffa him of corruption and ineffective leadership, among others, ignoring their constituents’ quest to join the plenary under Koffa’s gavel.
Despite refuting allegations of being part of those opting to oust Koffa, Fallah attired in his white suit yesterday, bravely entered the joint chambers, greeted by his colleagues with smile on their faces, though his surprised entry into their gathering was marked by cheers from the 43 representatives including their supporters, expressing their admiration towards the Deputy Speaker for honoring their calls.
Fallah then took over the session’s proceedings from presiding officer Representative Thomas Gahr, though in the absence of the Chief Clerk, who cited illness, as her reason, leaving her Deputy Chief Clerk to fill that void.
However, following their deliberations, Fallah in his remarks clarified his stance for joining colleagues who have raised issues against Speaker Koffa and emphasized that these concerns reflect the majority’s voice in the House.
Deputy Speaker Fallah assured Liberians and his partisans (CDC members) of his thoughtful consideration, noting, “In my nineteen years with the CDC, I have never betrayed my party and don’t intend to now.”
He emphasized that he did not initiate the call for Speaker Koffa’s removal but felt obligated to address lawmakers’ concerns per the House’s Rules and Procedures and the Liberian Constitution. “This isn’t a choice against my party or Speaker Koffa, whom I respect and support. But I must act when legislative progress and national governance are at risk,” he added.
Fallah encouraged Speaker Koffa and colleagues to engage in open dialogue to restore unity within the House, stressing, “This is a time for unity, not division. We must reaffirm our shared commitment to the people of Liberia.”
He urged collaboration to uphold their constitutional principles and restore the House’s integrity.
Reaffirming his dedication to the principles of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) amid efforts to unseat Speaker Koffa, Fallah’s remarks come at a pivotal moment when the House faces internal challenges that threaten its functionality and Liberia’s democratic foundation.
“As Deputy Speaker and a committed CDC member, I am deeply dedicated to upholding our party’s principles and the trust of the Liberian people,” Fallah said.
He highlighted his support for Koffa’s long-standing dedication to Liberia but also acknowledged the serious challenges facing the House, noting that division hinders the democratic principles on which Liberia stands.
“As the elected representative of Electoral District 1, Lofa County, and Deputy Speaker, I consider it my duty to safeguard these principles by ensuring a transparent and effective Legislature,” he declared.
He expressed hope for a resolution that serves the nation and reaffirming his commitment to Liberia and its democratic foundation.
“Therefore, I have decided to join my colleagues who have raised some grievances against Speaker Koffa, for which this ‘Honorable Body’ is being brought to disrepute. These colleagues represent the majority of lawmakers in the House of Representatives and they simply cannot be ignored!,” he reiterated.
Deputy Speaker Fallah added, “I urge Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and my colleagues on all sides to come together, engage in open dialogue, and restore unity to our House. This is not a time for division or suspicion but a moment for us to reaffirm our shared commitment to the people of Liberia. Let us work together to uphold the principles we are sworn to protect and to restore the dignity of the People’s House for the benefit of all Liberians.”
However, Speaker Koffa could not hold regular session for the fifth time for the transaction of business on behalf of the Liberian people due to lack of quorum.
In response to his colleague’s absence, Speaker Koffa expressed serious disappointment in members of the majority bloc for refusing to go to work despite being paid.
Koffa told journalists about his frustration over the refusal of his colleagues to converge under his gravel, and wondered, “How can you take lawmakers and hold them hostage like one kindergarten child in one location; you bring them to work and you carry them back?”
