By Grace Q. Bryant
Representative Richard Koon has expressed his commitment to supporting the newly elected leadership of the House of Representatives.
On Monday, January 15, the House elected Grand Kru County District 2 Representative Fonati Koffa of the Congress for Democratic Change, who defeated Rep. Richard Koon of the incoming Unity Party and Montserrado County District 11 in a fiercely contested election for the speakership that saw the CDC lawmaker obtaining 36 votes, while the latter got 31 votes.
Meanwhile, CDC’s Thomas Fallah of Lofa County District 1 also defeated Nimba County District 7 lawmaker from the CPP, Musa Bility, in the Deputy Speaker race.
Following Koffa’s election, the Unity Party filed a Writ of Declaratory Judgement before the Civil Law Court challenging his citizenship.
The UP claimed that Speaker Koffa is also an American citizen, making him unqualified for an elected position.
While his party is challenging the Speaker’s legitimacy, Rep. Koon has pledged his support to work with Speaker Koffa and the leadership of the Lower House.
In a brief remark during Tuesday’s session, Rep. Koon, on behalf of his camp, the Reformists, said he is willing to cooperate with Koffa’s leadership to ensure the agenda of the House is successfully implemented in the interest of the Liberian people.
He said, ”On behalf of the Reformists, I want to officially congratulate Speaker Fonati Koffa and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and the team for the effectively and successfully winning the elections.”
He pledged, “We will also work along with you, as long as you are able to perform your duty, we will support your efforts in every aspect until this leadership can succeed.”
