Monrovia – The escalating leadership crisis in the House of Representatives is no longer just a matter of legality or parliamentary rules — it is a vivid display of the interplay between political ambition, committee influence, and the persistent tug-of-war for institutional dominance.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
At the center of the impasse is the status of Representative Richard Nagbe Koon. Though he was elected by the Majority Bloc following the removal of Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, his legitimacy is being contested in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling.
The Court questioned the procedures surrounding Koffa’s removal, prompting renewed negotiations between the rival blocs.
FrontPage Africa has learned that behind closed doors, talks are underway between Koon’s Majority Bloc and Koffa’s loyalists in the Minority Bloc. According to sources, Koffa has conditionally agreed to step down — but only if the suspension of Minority Bloc members is lifted and all their seized benefits, including salaries, fuel, and scratch cards, are fully restored.
Despite this opening for a possible resolution, discussions have hit a wall over one core issue relating to the Majority Bloc’s firm stance that Koon remains the legitimate Speaker, thereby leaving no room for new elections or interim leadership.
“The Majority Bloc believes that its decision to elect Koon stands, and cannot be reversed,” a source familiar with the negotiations told FrontPage Africa.
However, this assertion is being directly challenged by the Rule of Law Caucus, led by Nimba County Representative Musa Hassan Bility. Bility pushed back forcefully, stating: “You can’t eat your cake and have it too. You cannot be calling for Koffa’s resignation while at the same time referring to Koon as Speaker. The whole country is calling for Koffa to resign—that, in itself, acknowledges that he remains the Speaker. A resignation can only happen if someone occupies the position.”
To help resolve the crisis, Bility and his caucus submitted a proposal —channeled through former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf — that calls for Koffa’s resignation and a new, transparent election for Speaker. According to the caucus, this is the only way to restore public confidence and reinforce democratic norms in the legislature.
Nonetheless, the Majority Bloc refuses to concede the point. They maintain that there is no vacancy, and as such, no need for elections. A member of the Bloc, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that while talks continue, the sides remain divided on Koon’s status. Still, they expressed hope that a resolution could be reached before the House reconvenes.
Adding to the anxiety within the Majority Bloc are internal fears that if a new election is held, Koon may not retain his position. Several members currently chairing lucrative and strategic committees — such as Ways, Means and Finance; Public Accounts; and Rules, Order and Administration — worry that a different Speaker could sideline them.
A Majority Bloc lawmaker confided to FrontPage Africa: “They are trying to create the impression that we now have the 49 votes needed to remove Koffa. But we are not convinced they are truly committed to Koon if a new Speakership election takes place.”
That skepticism is magnified by reports that Rep. Bility may run for the Speakership himself, potentially using substantial financial resources to sway votes from the Majority Bloc. Such a shift could strip existing committee heads of their posts and upend the internal power structure.
Meanwhile, Speaker Koffa has issued a pointed rebuttal to growing speculation that he is preparing to resign in exchange for political or financial inducements. In a public statement, he said: “I have become aware of statements circulating on social and other media platforms insinuating my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives. While I am deeply touched by the concern for my well-being and the integrity of the office I hold, I wish to address these matters with clarity and transparency.”
Koffa continued: “I have not resigned. I am actively engaged in discussions with stakeholders across the country, including colleagues from all sides in the legislature, to determine the appropriate path forward. I urge all citizens to refrain from spreading unsubstantiated claims that may cause confusion or division.”
As Liberia’s legislature teeters on the edge of a prolonged standoff, the current situation underscores how governance can become entangled with individual power plays.