House Speaker Fonati Koffa declared on Monday that he will not resign from his leadership position, asserting his commitment to following the 1986 Liberian Constitution and the rules governing the House.
Koffa made it clear that he views resignation as an improper avenue to resolve the ongoing power struggle within the legislature.
“If our colleagues raise the necessary number, which is 49 votes, I will pack my bag and leave. But until then, I will remain their leader,” Koffa stated passionately, emphasizing his determination to maintain his position amidst the swirling controversies.
The Speaker's remarks came as a response to what he termed a troubling trend of lawmakers convening in informal sessions, which he argued lack legitimacy under the Constitution.
“Some of our colleagues had decided to meet and do business at the Joint Chambers… and that meeting had no standing under the 1986 Constitution of Liberia and the law governing the House of Representatives,” Koffa explained.
In a call for unity and purpose, Koffa urged his fellow representatives to redirect their energies toward fulfilling their responsibilities to the Liberian people rather than attempting to force his resignation.
“It is time to put an end to certain groups of lawmakers who can just sit in their hotel rooms and create unnecessary pressure for elected leadership to resign,” he added, signaling his frustration with what he perceives as distractions from legislative duties.
Koffa also expressed gratitude to the ECOWAS Parliamentary delegation for their timely intervention in the ongoing leadership crisis, acknowledging the need for external support in maintaining order and governance within the House.
In a further display of commitment to legislative functionality, the leadership of the House of Representatives presented a newly acquired 36-seater bus and three additional vehicles to various departments, including Press and Public Affairs, Finance, and Human Resource.
This development underscores Koffa's intention to continue enhancing the operational capacity of the House despite the internal challenges.
