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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Liberia: Boakai Angry Over House Turmoil

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By Festus Poquie

Instability in the House of Representatives has left President Joseph Boakai frustrated as rebel lawmakers attempt to oust House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Sources hit the 79-year-old leader fears the move could undermine efforts to stabilize Liberia’s struggling economy.

The rebellion has taken a significant hit after defections from within the group and dwindling support from the President. The opposition Congress for Democratic Change is fight frantically dissuade its lawmaker from the plot.

The faction attempting to depose Koffa, reportedly backed by influential figures including Vice President Jeremiah Koung and several ranking senators, is spending nearly $2 million to execute their plan.

These lawmakers have long had a stronghold over national budgeting processes, amassing personal fortunes through lucrative appropriations, and Koffa’s anti-corruption and transparency agenda poses a direct threat to their interests.

The turmoil escalated when Representative Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County disclosed that he and others had allegedly accepted bribes to support the resolution for Koffa’s removal. In a video, Collins shared his intention of exposing the scheme rather than participating in it.

He recounted a meeting where House integrity chief  Clarence Gahr offered him $25,000 in bribes to vote for the ousting, raising alarm about the integrity of the legislative process.

The bribery scandal has prompted the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to launch an official investigation.

LACC Executive Chairperson Alexandra Zoe told the Voice of America  that the commission is reviewing the circulated videos and has received formal complaints from the Civil Society Working Group of Liberia regarding the allegations of corruption within the House of Representatives.

She said  the investigation will focus on both the givers and receivers of the alleged bribes.

Public reaction has been one of outrage, with citizens and political leaders calling for accountability.

Nimba County Representatives Musa Hassan Bility stressed the importance of a formal headcount to decide Koffa’s fate to ensure the process is respectful, while Senator Edwin Snowe rallied support for Koffa, emphasizing that integrity in leadership outweighs financial inducements.

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