The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Thomas Fallah has been likened to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, a player often criticized for his lackluster performances on the pitch.
The comparison, drawn from the ongoing power struggle within the legislature, highlights Fallah’s unwavering allegiance to the ruling Unity Party in their efforts to oust Speaker Fonati Koffa – his fellow partisan, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed such maneuvers unlawful.
Political pundit Rhodoxon Fayiah sees this as reminiscent of Harry Maguire’s defense—solid one moment, but then exposed and vulnerable to counterattacks the next.
He articulated this sentiment with pointed conviction: “Let me say this categorically clear: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is not involved in the removal of Speaker Koffa. Former President George Weah and his Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) are the main proponents for the ousting of Speaker Fonati Koffa.”
He elaborated that Koffa, a member of the CDC, was elected to his position with the support of his party and had actively empowered CDC lawmakers to key statutory committees in the House, leaving the Unity Party without significant representation under his leadership.
The political dynamics at play are multifaceted. The CDC currently holds 25 seats in the House, while the Unity Party comprises only 11 members. Critics argue that the Unity Party is opportunistically attempting to capitalize on the CDC’s internal strife to elevate their position within the legislature.
“There is no political party in the world that wouldn’t lobby for such a key position as Speaker,” Fayiah said, emphasizing the calculated nature of the Unity Party’s actions.
Fayiah further insisted, “Let’s leave President Boakai out of this fight at the House of Representatives. The fight was planned and implemented by the CDC. Former President Weah is pulling the strings, and it is Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah who is executing the plan,” drawing further parallels to Maguire’s consistency in providing opportunities for opposing teams through mistakes.
Contrary to Fayiah’s claim of former President George Weah involvement in the plot, the ex-leader has publically denounced the Capitol unrest, suspending party lawmakers involved including the deputy speaker.
