Monrovia – Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Minister of State Without Portfolio-Designate, says he anticipates a challenge from other opposition political parties in his acceptance of a role in government and his past as leader of a major opposition political party.
The learned lawyer resigned days following his appointment as a Minister in President Sirleaf’s cabinet.
“My greatest challenge is going to be first, the challenge of initial acceptance within the broader concept of Government,” said the former Liberty Party Chairman at a senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
“There will be some apprehension — as you say opposition coming up at high level — I think that will be the greatest challenge.”
The former Chairman of Liberty Party said he took up the job offer because he is a Liberian who has an interest in seeing the country move forward in development.
He promised to work neutrally with other opposition political parties in his new role, adding, to assure them of his neutrality, he has resigned his position as chairman of the party and he will suspend his membership in subsequent days.
Cllr. Koffa had been highly-tipped to replace Justice Minister Benedict Sannoh but that appointment went to former River Gee Senator Frederick Cherue.
The party chairman’s exit means it will now have to return to the drawing board in hopes of finding a chairman to take the party into the 2017 presidential and legislative elections.
With Cllr. Koffa taking his exit, some party officials are pointing to Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence as a possible successor.
While the popular first-term Senator is seen as a strong organizer, political observers say she could face a stern test as the party head into 2017 amid a rising tide of political discussions and negotiations for possible mergers amongst the more than 22 political parties expected to contest the 2017 elections.
Henry Karmo (0886522495) [email protected]