My fellow Liberians…
As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a proud member of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), I am deeply committed to upholding both my party’s principles and the trust of the Liberian people. My role in the House of Representatives has always been one of loyalty to our shared values and resolute support for Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, who has long dedicated himself to working for Liberia.
The recent challenges facing the people’s House are serious and must not be shrugged off. Our inability to convene as one body threatens the democratic foundation upon which this nation is built. So, as the elected Lawmaker of Electoral District #1 (Foya Statutory District), Lofa County, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature, I consider it my duty, first and foremost, to safeguard that foundation by ensuring a transparent, effective and wholesome functioning Legislature.
Therefore, I have decided to join my colleagues who have raised some grievances against Speaker Koffa, for which this Honorable body is being brought to disrepute. These colleagues represent the majority of lawmakers in the House of Representatives and they simply cannot be ignored! My decision to join the call for resolving this deadlock is not a repudiation of my support for Speaker Koffa or the CDC. It is instead a demonstration of my unwavering commitment to our democracy, which must transcend any one individual or faction. My interest here, therefore, is to ensure that I have the opportunity of listening to the concerns of my colleagues. This, to me, is the only way we can find an amicable solution to this matter, that would satisfy all sides.
Although I currently find myself in a miasma of legal and political conundrum on Capitol Hill, I wish to assure all Liberians and members of the CDC in particular that I have consulted sufficiently across all sides, and I have taken a decision in the best interest of our country, as well as our party. In my nineteen years of membership with the CDC (since I joined in 2005), I have NEVER “betrayed” my party, and I do not intend to do so, ever.
I wish to clarify unequivocally that I played no part in organizing the Lawmakers calling for Speaker Koffa’s removal. However, my decision to listen to them at this stage is in respect of our Rules and Procedures, and the Liberian Constitution. It is not a choice against my party or the Speaker, whom I continue to respect and support. In so doing, I cannot ignore my responsibility to act when the legislative body is at a standstill and the functioning of the national government is at risk.
I urge Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and my colleagues on all sides to come together, engage in open dialogue, and restore unity to our House. This is not a time for division or suspicion but a moment for us to reaffirm our shared commitment to the people of Liberia. Let us work together to uphold the principles we are sworn to protect and to restore the dignity of the People’s House for the benefit of all Liberians.
God bless the people of Liberia, the 55th Legislature and the Republic! AMANDLA!!!
