By Gideon Nma Scott, Jr.
Finally, the official resignation of Jonathan Fonati Koffa from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives has ended nine months old impasse at the Lower House of the 55th Legislature-let me add, “For now” because I can’t tell what may happen next.
On October 17, 2024, 47 lawmakers signed a resolution that called for Koffa’s removal, claiming he no longer enjoyed their confidence. The lawmakers, who are accused of being bribed to embark on this course, accuse him (Koffa) of manipulating the House’s budget and using his position to further his personal business interests, which they argued undermines his leadership and the integrity of the legislative body.
On the other side of the hall, pro-Koffa supporters countered that the move to oust him is driven by an audit he initiated, which is likely to expose significant financial misconduct implicating several high-ranking members of the Legislature, possibly including himself. They charged that the ‘majority bloc’ is keen to prevent Speaker Koffa from presiding over the 2025 Budget hearing, which could potentially allow them to manipulate the budget.
In the middle of all this, the Grand Kru County lawmaker vowed not to bow to old tactics or maneuvers that saw the removals of Snowe and Tyler as Speakers. According to him, resigning or stepping down is not an option that he would pursue, but will rather ensure the law is followed to the letter. By law, he can legally be removed by a resolution signed by 49 lawmakers, constituting two-thirds of the House membership, the necessary number for impeachment.
Article 49 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia state, “House of Representative shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body, a Deputy Speaker, and such other officers as shall ensure the proper functioning of the House. The speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House. Also, Article 33 of the Liberia constitution says that a simple majority of each House shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lower number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members. Whenever the House of Representatives and the Senate shall meet in joint session, the presiding officer of the House of Representatives shall preside.
To compel his colleagues to adhering to the constitutionality of his removal, Koffa ran to the Supreme on two occasions; on the first occasion, the Court came out with its ‘Ultra Vires’ ruling that appeared to be ambiguous in the ears of many Liberians, who, like myself, had come in contact with such terminology for the first time. Koffa had to run with a Bill of Information for clarity of Ultra Vires. This time, the Supreme Court consulted Articles 49 and 33 to legitimize Koffa speakership.
As legitimate speaker of the House of Representatives, Koffa failed to do the business of the Liberian people due to his lack of quorum; because over 40 of his colleagues ate his show. He was a toothless bulldog.
Now that he has resigned, which he previously denounced as an option, what is he leaving behind as a foot print. The book people say, “LEGACY.” Or was he forced to resign since he misplaced the confidence of his colleagues? Legacy or inducement…
Some people see legacy as a lasting impact and the way they will be remembered for generations to come. Legacy can be career accomplishments, financial assets, or a loved one’s incredible character.
Others see legacy as the imprint you leave on the future.’ In law, a legacy is something that someone gets by inheritance, or by a will. In historical terms, a legacy is something that is handed down from one period of time to another period of time. Often it means something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor. In summary, your legacy is the sum of personal values, accomplishments, and actions that resonate with people around you.
On the other hand, inducement is an act or a thing that is intended to make something happen or to persuade someone to do something: a significant offer or act that promises or encourages. For example, they offered him a large pay increase as an inducement for him to stay on the job.
Following the Koffa argument to and from the court, his engagements with the few faithful and those playing bite and blow in his ‘Rule of Law’ camp, I wonder why he had to take this long to resign or was he coerced by his lack of quorum as speaker?
In his resignation litany he quoted 2Timothy 4:6-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
In his resignation letter to Madam Mildred Siryon, Chief Clerk of the House, Koffa said, “I am constrained to tender my resignation as presiding officer of the House of Representatives, Speaker, and head of the first branch of government. As you are aware, on Wednesday, the 23rd of April, the Supreme Court ruled in the Bill of Information that the election of Rep. Richard Koon is illegal, thereby making it purported and then reconfirming my legitimacy as Speaker; however, I have to resign.”
And now that he gathered the courage to resign, declaring legal victory over his colleagues who presided over his ousting, what are the footprints he is leaving in the sand of times for the future. Is it one that is of the fighting spirit-to fight to the death for one’s rights; one that will ensure that the rule of law is followed to the letter or one that will want to use national resource for personal gains to the disadvantage of poor voters.
Whatever the case, whether legacy or inducement, Koffa will be remembered as the one speaker who tested the country’s fragile legal system and won.
The thought of the son of a professional Kru woman.