Grand Kru County Representative Fonati Koffa cites mounting tensions with President Joseph Boakai and his administration’s dismissal of the rule of law as chief factors upending his reign as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Koffa confirmed his resignation to reporters on Monday, revealing that he had submitted his official resignation to the Chief Clerk of the House earlier that day.
His decision stems from a series of events that he described as a profound disrespect for the governance structure, especially following President Boakai’s refusal to adhere to a recent Supreme Court ruling which deemed efforts to unseat him during the more than six months legislative civil war, as illegal.
“The political atmosphere has shifted significantly,” Koffa said.
“When the President decided to collaborate with the legislative majority bloc, it isolated our group, compelling us to reassess our role in this legislature.
“Given the increased military presence at the Capitol and the potential for violence, we had to make a choice. We opted for peace and stability over turmoil.”
The resignation underlines a critical moment in the country’s governance, placing President Boakai’s credibility in jeopardy as questions about his respect for constitutional order continue to mount.
Koffa said his departure was a voluntary and strategic move, refuting allegations of coercion or financial inducements.
“I cannot negotiate the law,” he declared. “This resignation is part of the legal process; a vacancy will allow for a new Speaker to be elected.”
He pointed to a troubling statistic: some 60 employees have gone unpaid for six months, a reality he could no longer ignore as it eroded support within his caucus.
“You see Fonati Koffa, but you don’t see the faces of those who are struggling,” he lamented. “How long could I, or any leader, ask them to endure this?”
His resignation comes at a time of great instability in the governance of the nation, where the interplay between the executive and legislative branches is increasingly fraught with tension.
Observers see Koffa’s departure as a significant blow not only to the legislature but also to the image of President Boakai, raising concerns about the future of governance and rule of law in the country.
