Liberia: Speaker Koffa Decries Executive’s Plan to Strip Immunity, Safety Amid Refusal to Resign
Monrovia – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Fonati Koffa, has disclosed that the Executive Branch has knowledgeable him of plans to strip him of his immunity and state safety, simply days after he reported threats in opposition to his life and rejected calls to resign.
Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a strongly worded assertion on Wednesday, Speaker Koffa described the withdrawal of his safety element as an intimidation tactic.
“I have officially been informed that all state security will be withdrawn tomorrow,” Speaker Koffa stated in a Facebook put up. “These actions from the Executive do NOT change the fact that I remain the Speaker of the House of Representatives. This only further strengthens my resolve to fight for upholding the Rule of Law and the Liberian Constitution.”
Intensifying Power Struggle
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Speaker Koffa and the so-called Majority Bloc within the Legislature, which just lately declared his removing as Speaker. Backed by the Executive, the bloc has accused Koffa of corruption and battle of curiosity—allegations he has vehemently denied.
Despite the controversial transfer, Koffa has maintained that his removing was unconstitutional and insists he stays the authentic Speaker.
Threats Against His Life
The energy wrestle has taken a harmful flip, with Speaker Koffa reporting threats in opposition to his life simply days earlier than the Executive’s plan to withdraw his state safety. Analysts and civil society organizations have raised issues concerning the potential for political violence amid the deadlock.
The Speaker’s refusal to resign has reportedly pissed off the Executive. During a gathering on Monday, President Joseph Boakai urged Koffa to step down, however he declined, citing the Supreme Court ruling he claims validated his place.
In response, the Director of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), Sam Gaye, allegedly threatened to recall EPS officers assigned to Koffa. The Speaker reportedly responded defiantly, stating, “The Executive can go ahead.”
Hours later, Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh issued a authorized opinion siding with the Majority Bloc, asserting that the Supreme Court’s ruling favored their place. The opinion was endorsed by the Senate, which voted to acknowledge Representative Richard Koon of the Unity Party because the authentic Speaker.
Call for Respect for Rule of Law
The unfolding disaster has drawn the eye of the worldwide group, with diplomatic missions in Monrovia intently monitoring developments.
In response to an inquiry from FrontPage Africa, the United States Embassy emphasised the significance of peaceable and lawful political processes in Liberia.
“The United States wants to see Liberia’s political processes play out peacefully and with respect to the rule of law,” the Embassy acknowledged. “Liberians expect their leaders to uphold democracy and its practices, including open and transparent political processes and peaceful debate.”
The Embassy additional urged all events concerned within the disaster to prioritize peace and unity. “It is important that leaders demonstrate unity,” the Embassy added.
As the tensions linger on, the decision for adherence to democratic ideas and the rule of legislation underscores the worldwide group’s expectations for stability and good governance in Liberia.
Support for Koffa swells
On social media, Koffa’s resilience has garnered widespread reward.
“We’re with you to the end, Hon. Speaker. One thing I know, they can withdraw everything, but not the speakership. Until they can remove you in keeping with the Constitution, you remain the legitimate speaker of our country,” commented Chris Z. Harris.
Another supporter, Frederick Tinisi Nimene, added: “Speaker, don’t resign. By resigning, you will frustrate millions of Liberians who are with you. All power is inherited by the people.”
Legal Battles Loom
In an one other transfer, Speaker Koffa has filed a invoice of knowledge earlier than the Supreme Court, calling for the actions of the Majority Bloc, together with their resolution to acknowledge “purported Speaker Koon,” to be declared null and void. He argued that their actions violate the Supreme Court’s ruling and are unconstitutional.
Koffa additionally petitioned the High Court to compel Justice Minister Tweh to retract his authorized opinion, which he claims misinterprets the Court’s judgment.
What Lies Ahead?
As the management disaster within the House deepens, questions stay over how the withdrawal of state safety will impression Speaker Koffa’s day-to-day operations. The coming days are prone to see heightened political and authorized drama, with the Supreme Court’s intervention doubtlessly being a deciding issue within the ongoing deadlock.
Liberians are watching intently, because the wrestle for management of the House has far-reaching implications for the nation’s governance and the stability of energy between the Executive and Legislative branches.
