Main opposition Coalition for Democratic Change has expelled Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah for allegedly colluding with rival ruling Unity Party in efforts to unseat House Speaker Fonati Koffa.
This decision comes as the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the CDC acted upon recommendations from its National Disciplinary Committee.
In a statement issued on December 11, 2024, and signed by CDC National Chairman Janga Augustus Kowo, the party emphasized its commitment to discipline and unity within the Legislative Branch
The party’s highest decision making body also announced that its members in the House of Representatives involved with the plot at the Capitol that were temporarily suspended have been granted a seven-day ultimatum to rejoin the ranks of the CDC or face expulsion.
This move signals a crackdown on disunity within the party bring to end Fallah’s nearly two decades association with the country’s largest grassroots political movement. His rise politics and accumulation of wealth is credited to the party’s policy of enlisting and positioning underprivileged youth in national leadership roles.
The CDC firmly reiterated its support for Speaker Koffa, declaring him the legitimate custodian of the office within the 55th Legislature of Liberia. The statement voiced strong opposition to the Unity Party’s alleged attempts to replace Koffa and dismissed the perceived election of Montserrado County and Unity Party Representative Richard Koon as a sham orchestrated by rival forces.
The CDC pointed to the Supreme Court’s ruling, which upholds Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, reinforcing Koffa’s position.
The former ruling party, expressed alarm regarding discussions initiated by the so-called Majority Bloc about the national budget, characterizing these actions as unconstitutional and potentially harmful to national resources.
It warned that if President Joseph Boakai endorses such legislation, it would consider it a “treasonous” act and hold him accountable for jeopardizing Liberia’s integrity and constitutional order.
As protests and calls for peaceful assembly circulate, the CDC has reiterated its support for citizens’ constitutional rights to demonstrate peacefully. The party underscored that the government must ensure the safety and security of all Liberians exercising their rights to gather and voice their opinions.
The CDC reassured party members, the public, and the international community of its dedication to upholding peace and stability in Liberia. CDC said it would respect the laws of the land, emphasizing the significance of lawful governance and the need for national unity. As Liberia faces ongoing challenges, the CDC called on all citizens and lawmakers to unite in pursuit of national development, adhering to the rule of law.
