Monrovia – Representative Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa (LP-District #2, Grand Kru County) has been appointed the chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives.
Report by Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com
Cllr. Koffa is among the over 30 new lawmakers elected in the October 10, 2017, polls.
In the order of ranking of the House leadership, the Judiciary Committee chair is fourth in line.
In his new role at the legislature, Cllr. Koffa would have to work from time-to-time with Cllr. Varney Sherman who he (Cllr. Koffa) prosecuted during the Sable Mining bribery trial.
Prior to his election as a lawmaker in October 2017, Cllr. Koffa was appointed by President Ellen Johnson Sirlef as head of the Special Presidential Taskforce to investigate and prosecute of past and current officials of government who were named in an alleged bribery scheme unearthed by international watchdog, Global Witness.
Senator Sherman who heads the Senate Committee on Judiciary who was of several officials being prosecuted by Cllr. Koffa.
With his new Portfolio, Koffa will have to make his former rival (Cllr. Sherman) his colleague as he braces himself to work with Senator Sherman (Cape-Mount County) who also chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee they two will have to put aside their defences and personal feeling to working in the interest of the Country.
Representative Koffa says he intends to chair a professional Judiciary Committee and according to him, he holds nothing personal with Senator Sherman.
“The Judiciary Committee is almost like the law firm of the Legislature, so we intend to bring a certain level of professionalism in advising the House and the Speaker on issues of legality like bills, procedures and laws governing this House and nation.
“I look forward to working with Cllr. Sherman. He is a Senator heading the Senate Judiciary Committee and I am a Representative heading the House Judiciary Committee we will work together as colleagues – nothing personal,” Cllr. Koffa said.
Cllr. Koffa was named to head the Judiciary Committee Friday by Speaker Bhofal Chambers. He was one of several lawmakers that eyed the seat of the Speaker but later backed out.