Liberia: ULAA Expresses ‘Deep Concern’ about Bribery Allegation in Speaker Koffa’s ‘Removal’ Saga - FrontPageAfrica
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The Union of Liberia Associations in the Americas (ULAA), which is the umbrella organization for all Liberian organizations in the United States, Canada, Central and South America, has expressed deep concern over the recent reports of an alleged bribery scheme employed by lawmakers plotting to remove Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa from his post as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Liberian diaspora organization, however, acknowledged the right of lawmakers to constitutionally remove the Speaker from office. “While it is not illegal for a two-thirds majority of the members of the House to resolve to remove a ‘Speaker’, and/or ‘Deputy Speaker’ for cause, any pay-to-play to execute such a resolution is illegal.”
According to ULAA, such an action represents gross misconduct and is a direct assault to the principles of democracy. “This egregious act, if proven true, not only undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions but also betrays the trust the Liberian people have placed in their elected representatives,” ULAA further said in a release signed by its General Secretary, Borbi Bropleh.
Also, ULAA National President, Mr. Mohammad ‘MSG1’ Keita, assured Liberians abroad and home that ULAA is closely following the saga. “We would like to assure Liberians in the diaspora and in Liberia that ULAA is closely following the developments concerning the alleged bribery scheme in the House of Representatives to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and call for calm while the matter is being investigated.”
Meanwhile, as ULAA reaffirms its commitment to continually advocating for justice, integrity and good governance in Liberia, it is calling on civil society actors, Liberia’s international partners, and all Liberians to join it in condemning all forms of corruption within the Liberian government and demand a thorough investigation of the alleged bribery scheme in the House of Representatives.