By Grace Q. Bryant
Embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into a fire and alleged acts of sabotage at the legislative building on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The incident, which included a power outage and potential security breaches, has raised serious concerns about safety and accountability within the government facility.
In an impassioned statement to the press, Koffa questioned how individuals were able to gain access to critical areas of the building. “How did people enter the building to cut electricity from the pool where my offices and the chambers are located?” he asked.
He disclosed “There have been attempts to break into my office, and I’ve been shown pictures of the individuals involved. This is not just a random occurrence; this is calculated.” What is happening? Who is behind this sabotage?
The Speaker linked the fire to what he described as a broader effort to disrupt the operations of lawmakers and staff. “People are using these acts to drive others out of their offices, to prevent them from working. Is this the new politics? Is this what we have reduced ourselves to?”
Koffa also noted discrepancies in the building’s electrical systems following the fire, pointing out that power had been restored to the first and second floors, but the third floor where his office is located—remained in darkness. “How come there is no light on the third floor today? What happened yesterday?”
According to Koffa, the fire occurred under suspicious circumstances, with evidence suggesting deliberate interference with the building’s electrical systems.
He expressed frustration over the inability to identify those responsible; pointing out that access to sensitive areas should have been restricted.
Speaker Koffa suggested that the incident involved individuals who had access to the building and the expertise to manipulate its systems. “Somebody had control of the facility yesterday, and that control led to the fire. The same group of people has control over all the facilities here, and we need to know who they are.”
The Speaker tied the events to ongoing tensions over a modernization program for the building, which he claimed had been “hijacked” by a majority faction.
He stated that the program was initially intended to improve the facility but had instead become a source of conflict.
“Contractors warned us about unsafe sections of the building, but certain groups continued to use them. This sabotage and lack of accountability have put everyone at risk,” he said. Koffa called for heightened security measures and a full investigation into the fire and related incidents. “This isn’t just about me or my office; this is about ensuring the safety of everyone who works here and protecting the integrity of our institution.”
