CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – House Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has sharply debunked allegation that Members of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature were bribed by foreign organizations a hefty sum of money to sign the resolution calling for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court in Liberia.
By Moses P. Smith, intern reporter
Speaking at the Capitol Building on Thursday, April 11, during a joint radio interview in Monrovia, the House Speaker told journalists that members of the Legislature were not given money to sign the resolution, clarifying that the legislators signed it at their own volitions.
He also mentioned that such action taken by the National Legislature will deliver justice to countless Liberians and will bring lasting end to the culture of impunity to Africa’s oldest nation.
“You know we listened to some of the things the people were signing because they were paid to sign. That is disgusting,” Speaker Koffa said.
“That is an affront to the House of Representatives. Nobody received a dime to sign any resolution here. Those who signed, signed at their convictions, and they continue to remain committed to this process. So, there was no one paying us to do that which we believe we up to give and do for the Liberian people.”
The Speaker was speaking in his first press conference following the adoption of the resolution by the Liberian Senate. The resolution emanated from the House of Representatives. The Speaker thanked the Senate for concurrence.
Speaking further, he stated that there are international partners that are more concerned to see justice being delivered and served to victims of Liberia’s two civil crises and allow perpetrators to be accountable for what they did.
He statement was in response to allegation made by Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson, alleging each member of the House of Representatives were given a huge sum of money by foreign institutions to affix their signature to the resolution.
Emphasizing the need for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia, Grand Kru County District #2 lawmaker affirmed that Liberia will continue to remain peaceful and indicated that nobody can destabilize the country’s hard-earned peace, as the War and Economic Crimes Court continues to be a crucial issue to Liberia and its international partners.
Speaker Koffa cited that his wife is one of the victims and also mentioned that countless individuals lost their relatives and loved ones during the protracted civil crisis, stating that Liberians deserve justice.
The resolution to establish the Court, which got overwhelming votes from the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, April 9, was resent to the House where it emanated from, with few modifications. The House then concurred and has forwarded to the President.
