FARMINGTON, Margibi County – With the speakership contest gaining momentum, more than 40 elected Representatives of the incoming 55th Legislature have reiterated their commitment to elect Deputy Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa as the next Speaker.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
In a strong display of support, 41 lawmakers gathered at the Roberts International Airport to give a hearty welcome to Rep. Koffa upon his return from the United States on Monday.
Addressing the media, Deputy Speaker Koffa expressed confidence that his colleagues would stand firmly behind him to secure the necessary victory.
“We have revolutionized the way in which speaker are chosen in this country. No more backroom deceptive deals, we chose to stand with an individual and they have done that in their numbers consistently. And they have done that publicly,” he said.
Rep. Koffa’s track record as a consensus builder is evident. However, with his party, the Coalition for Democratic Change, set to move into opposition, analysts suggest he might face challenges defeating the ruling party’s candidate. The alignment of Richard Nagbe Koon (UP, District #11, Montserrado) and Musa Hansan Bility (CPP, District #7, Nimba County) for the speakership, leading to a collective race, has added complexity to Rep. Koffa’s path to victory, according to political pundits.
Disregarding these challenges, the re-elected Grand Kru District #2 Representative emphasized his confidence in the numbers backing his bid.
“We have the numbers. The numbers are speaking and with us, and this demonstrates the integrity of the independent mindedness of the Legislature. On more than three occasions, these individuals have signed publicly and appeared publicly. I respect them and respect their integrity.”
When asked about his priorities, he pledged that under his leadership, Liberians would benefit from the national budget.
“We will make sure that the support to the Liberian people go through the budget and spread around so that they can get their share of Liberian pie. We need to make sure that the agenda of the incoming administration is given fair and due hearing.”
He assured that if elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives, he will avoid transforming the gavel into a partisan tool, emphasizing the need for neutrality despite being in the opposition.
He pledged a robust and transparent tenure, promising to prioritize accountability under his leadership. Within his first 100 days, he plans to implement electronic voting in the House of Representatives.
“As Speaker, I will serve the national interest, and the ruling government can trust my commitment,” Deputy Speaker Koffa said.
With the House of Representatives consisting of 73 members, a simple majority of 37 votes is required to secure victory for any candidate. The elections for both the speaker and deputy speaker are scheduled for January 15, 2024.
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