
Monrovia, Liberia – A fresh controversy has erupted within the House of Representatives after Speaker Fonati Koffa rejected a letter purportedly written by Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon regarding his office status.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a strongly worded statement, Koffa accused the Majority Bloc of overstepping its authority and unlawfully acting on behalf of plenary. According to him, the letter was transmitted via WhatsApp by Representative James Kolleh, claiming to reflect a decision of the plenary. However, Koffa argued that plenary had voted on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to defer the matter until Tuesday, February 4, 2025. He denounced the letter as an “unlawful usurpation” of the powers of elected representatives.
Koffa vs. the Majority Bloc
The Majority Bloc-led House of Representatives has repeatedly called on Speaker Koffa to vacate the office and make way for their elected Speaker, Richard Koon. However, Koffa has refused, insisting that his removal was illegal.
The impasse has lingered since the Majority Bloc assumed control of the House leadership following a Supreme Court ruling. Their authority was further reinforced when Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh advised the Executive Branch to recognize the Majority Bloc as legitimate.
Despite this, Speaker Koffa and his supporters continue to challenge what they call an “illegal removal.” In the latest legal battle, they petitioned the Civil Law Court to declare the Majority Bloc’s actions unconstitutional and uphold the Supreme Court ruling. However, Judge George Smith declined the petition, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
The decision has emboldened the Majority Bloc, which has intensified calls for Koffa to vacate the Speaker’s office for Rep. Richard Koon. Last week, plenary voted to address the issue during Tuesday’s session. However, ahead of that meeting, Koffa alleged that he received a letter from Rep. James Kolleh, supposedly written by Chief Clerk Sayon, requesting him to vacate the office.
Koffa Fires Back
In a scathing response, Speaker Koffa dismissed the letter and accused those behind it of attempting to take his office through the same “illegal means and the force of the Executive” that they allegedly used to obtain the Speakership.
Koffa further referenced Justice Minister Tweh, claiming that his interpretation of the political situation had paved the way for an “illegal act.” He insisted that he would not entertain any further discussions on the matter.
“Please inform those who instructed you to write such a letter that they should obtain the office in the same manner as they obtained the Speakership—illegally and with the force of the Executive. I believe, according to the so-called committee report, the Minister of Justice, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, whose interpretation of events got us to this point, has already outlined a pathway to complete the illegal act. I will not respond to anyone further on this issue,” Koffa stated.
Next Steps
Meanwhile, the House Rules and Order Committee reportedly cited Justice Minister Tweh’s advice, recommending that plenary formally notify Koffa and grant him five days to vacate. If he refuses, they suggested that his belongings should be removed in the presence of civil society and the press.
As the battle for the Speakership intensifies, the next plenary session is expected to be a decisive moment in the ongoing power struggle within the Liberian Legislature.