“Reconciliation, Progress May Require Ultimate Sacrifice” -Koffa’s Final Eulogy To Speakership?

By Grace Bryant Mollay
The embattled House Speaker Fonati Koffa has called for reconciliation and unity among lawmakers after the Supreme Court officially upheld his leadership, bringing an end to a months-long power struggle in the House of Representatives.
In a speech shared on social media shortly after the ruling, Koffa extended an olive branch to his colleagues who had opposed his speakership since October, urging them to set aside their differences and work toward restoring stability in the lower chamber.
“We recognize your just grievances and call on you to join us in ending the stalemate at Capitol Hill. Come, let us reason together,” Koffa said.
The Supreme Court ruling affirmed Koffa as the legitimate Speaker, effectively concluding a prolonged political and legal battle that had paralyzed legislative operations for nearly half a year. Koffa hailed the decision as a victory for the rule of law and pledged to uphold the Court’s judgment.
“The Court has ruled, effectively recognizing that our leadership holds the constitutional mandate of the First Branch of Government. We welcome that ruling,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges of the past six months, Koffa credited divine guidance and the resilience of his supporters for weathering what he described as a grueling period of uncertainty.
“To my colleagues who have stood up for the rule of law at great peril to their political and financial lives, my sincere salute. Societies become great when ordinary men and women rise up to do extraordinary things,”he said.
Koffa also expressed gratitude to Liberians at home and in the diaspora who supported him through prayer and encouragement during the impasse.
“To the hundreds of thousands of Liberians here and around the world who on bended knees prayed with us… we are truly grateful. Without you, this advancement in our democracy would not have been possible,” he said.
Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Koffa underscored the importance of civil dialogue and mutual respect: “Civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us not negotiate out of fear, but let us not fear to negotiate.”
Looking ahead, the Speaker announced plans to reach out to Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Representative Richard Koon to form a joint reconciliation and transitional committee. The committee, he said, will work to heal divisions and set the House on a path of renewed cooperation.
“I am not unmindful that reconciliation and progress may require me to make the ultimate sacrifice, and I am not unwilling to pay that price. But please, let us show this nation how democracies are built,” Koffa said.