Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County – Leadership turmoil at Liberia’s House of Representatives has escalated amid allegations that over forty lawmakers accepted substantial bribes to oust Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The controversy began shortly after reports emerged that lawmakers were signing a resolution to remove Speaker Koffa. Rep. Luther Collins (District #2, Gbarpolu County), one of the resolution’s signatories, posted videos on social media accusing the anti-Koffa group of bribery. According to Collins, lawmakers were promised $25,000 each to sign the resolution, with an upfront payment of $15,000 and a remaining $10,000 to be delivered later.
Public outrage has intensified in response to these revelations, with some constituents calling for their representatives to return the alleged bribe money and face investigation. Rep. Marie Johnson (District #2, Grand Gedeh) has come under particular scrutiny, as young people in Zwedru, led by spokesperson James P. Karmee Jr., demand an investigation into her involvement.
Karmee expressed dismay that Rep. Johnson, a U.S. citizen, allegedly accepted a bribe to undermine Liberia’s democratic values. He emphasized, “Bribery is a felonious crime under Liberian law, and this behavior is a deep embarrassment to those who elected her.” He announced plans for a signature campaign among voters in District #2, aiming to initiate impeachment proceedings.
“Corruption has no place here. Grand Gedeans have suffered too long under corrupt leaders enriching themselves at the people’s expense,” Karmee added. He further accused Johnson of circumventing the law during her candidacy, pointing to her dual citizenship, which violates Section 7.1(C) of Liberia’s Election Law, requiring representatives to be Liberian citizens for at least a year before the election.
Corruption has no place in our community because Grand Gedeans have suffered for too long at the hands of corrupt leaders who worked tooth and nail to enrich themselves at the detriment of the people of Grand Gedeh.
James P. Karmee, spokesperson, Concerned Youth of Grand Gedeh County
Reps. Clarence Gahr (District #5, Margibi County) and Foday Fahnbulleh (District #7, Bong County) have also faced criticism for their alleged roles in the effort to remove Speaker Koffa. Alphonso Kollie, a Margibi resident, expressed disapproval, calling for lawmakers to uphold the law rather than pursue personal interests through bribery.
Calls for a thorough investigation have grown, with prominent Liberian lawyer Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. Citing Liberian law, he noted that bribery is classified as a second-degree felony under both Chapter 9 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Chapter 12 of the Penal Law, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison. Gongloe added, “Bribery in government isn’t just a crime; it is a deep betrayal of public trust. Protecting whistleblowers is essential in our fight against corruption.”
Rep. Johnson has denied involvement in any bribery related to the push to remove Speaker Koffa.
LACC Launches Investigation
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has begun investigating the allegations, summoning Reps. Luther Collins and James Kolleh. Rep. Collins alleged that his colleagues received financial inducements, and in a video, displayed cash he claimed to have received as part of the scheme, stating he intended only to expose the alleged bribery.
Collins also accused Rep. Kolleh of deducting $200 from the initial $15,000 he received. On Monday morning, LACC officials delivered formal invitations to both lawmakers, and the investigation is now underway.
