By Bill W. Cooper & Precious D. Freeman
Human rights activist and Executive Director of Champagnes for Change, Vandalark Patrick, has condemned the 43lawmakers’ quest to remove Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
terming it a “constitutional coup d’état,” Patrick warned of potential mass protests if lawmakers fail to uphold constitutionalism and respect a recent Supreme Court’s decision.
Addressing the media yesterday in Monrovia, Patrick emphasized that the attempt to force Koffa’s resignation sets a dangerous precedent, labeling the action illegal and unconstitutional.
He highlighted that while Article 9 of the Liberian Constitution allows the House of Representatives to elect its officials, it also stipulates due process for their removal.
He noted that Article 39 mandates legislative rules must conform to due process as outlined in Articles 29 and 38, and reiterated that under Liberian laws, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
He urged lawmakers to provide Speaker Koffa with due process, asserting that political maneuvers should not override legal procedures stating, “This situation resembles a constitutional coup with serious implications for our democracy.”
“As a Liberian and rights activist dedicated to the constitution for over fifteen years, I believe it’s time to put our country on the right path. We will announce mass protests if the majority bloc disregards the Chamber Justice’s ruling and the constitution,” Patrick stated.
Patrick underscored the importance of upholding the dignity of Liberia’s constitution above party politics, warning that the current events within the House of Representatives reflect a broader struggle for adherence to the rule of law.
He reminded lawmakers of the country’s painful history and urged them to respect the legal framework.
The call to action comes as tensions escalate within the legislative body, leaving many citizens concerned about the implications for governance and constitutional integrity in Liberia.
Also, the Chairman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Jangar Kowo, has rebuked Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah’s decision to join the majority of his colleagues seeking to remove Grand Kru Representative, Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Kowo also condemned other CDC lawmakers who he said are part of the process, describing his party lawmakers’ decision as a ‘betrayal’, accusing the ruling Unity Party (UP) government of President Joseph Boakai of exerting undue influence over his partisans.
He said, “The CDC strongly condemns Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and other CDC lawmakers who have disobeyed the CDC National Executive Committee and former President George Weah to go against Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.”
However, his outburst came moment after Deputy Speaker Fallah yesterday, October 31, 2024, yielded to the call of the ‘majority’ to join and preside over their renegade gathering or risk losing his seat.
Reacting to his decision, chairman Kowo also alleged that these actions of his party’s lawmakers including the Deputy Speaker is clearly being influenced by President Boakai aim to destabilize the CDC.
He has also accused the President of undermining the democratic process by ‘manipulating’ the legislative body, with a caveat that these developments only reflect a ‘dangerous’ trend in the country’s politics under the UP administration.
He maintained, “These developments speak to the wider threat to Liberian democracy where an overbearing executive can interfere with the function of the other two branches, thereby undermining checks and balances. The evidence is clear that this UP government is undemocratic and has gone against every facet of the rule of law.”
Kowo added that the CDC is currently monitoring the situation closely and will in the coming days, consider its next steps in response to what he termed as ‘interference’ of the Legislative Branch by the Executive.
Fallah, reacting to his party’s chairman said, “As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a proud member of the CDC, I am deeply committed to upholding both my party’s principles and the trust of the Liberian people. My role in the House of Representatives has always been one of loyalty to our shared values and resolute support for Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, who has long dedicated himself to working for Liberia.”
According to him, the recent challenges facing the people’s House are serious and must not be shrugged off, and noted, “Our inability to convene as one body threatens the democratic foundation upon which this nation is built.”
The Deputy Speaker further narrated, “This, to me, is the only way we can find an amicable solution to this matter, that would satisfy all sides, although I currently find myself in a miasma of legal and political conundrum on Capitol Hill, I wish to assure all Liberians and members of the CDC in particular that I have consulted sufficiently across all sides, and I have taken a decision in the best interest of our country, as well as our party.”
“In my nineteen years of membership with the CDC (since I joined in 2005), I have never “betrayed” my party, and I do not intend to do so, ever. I wish to clarify unequivocally that I played no part in organizing the lawmakers calling for Speaker Koffa’s removal
