By Bill W. Cooper
The political leader of the Liberia People’s Party (LPP), has publicly accused those claiming ‘majority’ of holding the country hostage based on their decision to remove embattled Speaker, Fonati Koffa from his position.
Gongloe also disclosed that their decision is not only detrimental to the legislative process but also undermines the democratic principles that the country has fought hard to uphold over the years.
However, his assertion comes amidst the ongoing political impasse at the House of Representatives, which has since affected the governance of the state, coupled with paralyzing the country’s first branch of government.
In October of this year, 43 lawmakers signed a resolution to remove Speaker Koffa over what they described as involvement into corruption, conflict of interests and lack of proper leadership, amongst others.
They also argue that his inability to effectively manage the ‘House’ has hindered progress on critical legislations, including the national budget and key development initiatives.
As a result of the saga, the aggrieved lawmakers have also been holding separate sessions within the joint chambers of the Legislature, in which they finally removed Speaker Koffa, and elected Montserrado County District 11 Rep., Richard Koung, as the new Speaker.
But Speaker Koffa has since denied his involvement into any wrongdoing, thus challenging his accusers to follow the Constitution and the rules of the House to prove their case against him in open session, a move that has since proved futile.
Also, Speaker Koffa and team of ‘minority lawmakers’ have now filed a complaint to the Supreme Court of Liberia, accusing the majority bloc for unconstitutionally removing him as the Speaker of the House.
Appearing on Truth FM radio station yesterday in Monrovia, the LPP leader also stated that the move by the majority bloc to oust Speaker Koffa is a distraction from the real issues facing the country, including poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
The though talking lawyer and politician also described the lawmakers as being against the democratic principles and values of Liberia and their various constituents.
“Liberia is at a crossroad. The country is being held under hostage by a group of self-serving politicians who are more interested in their personal agenda than the welfare of the people,” he declared.
The LPP leader at the same time, emphasized that the actions of the lawmakers not only threaten the stability of the House of Representatives and country, but also jeopardize the progress made in the country since the end of the civil war.
“We cannot allow a few individuals to dictate the moving of this country because Liberia deserves better. So, it is time for President Joseph Boakai to show leadership in this moment of crisis.
As President, he cannot remain a bystander while the future of our nation hangs in the balance because of the greed and selfishness of some individuals, calling themselves lawmakers,” Gongloe urged.
He added, “We must work together to build a Liberia that is freed from corruption and mismanagement. It is time for us to put aside our differences and focus on what truly matters: the well-being of our people.”
