Liberia: CDC Condemns Unity Party's Reported Attempt to Oust House Speaker Koffa - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia—The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has strongly criticized the ruling Unity Party’s (UP) recent efforts to manipulate members of the House of Representatives in a bid to oust House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. 

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The CDC claimed that the ongoing effort of some members of the lower house to remove Speaker Koffa marks the third attempt by the UP to remove Speaker Koffa since losing the Speakership in January 2024.

In a statement issued in Monrovia on Sunday, the CDC accused the UP of allegedly using public resources to bribe lawmakers in what it termed a legislative coup against the Speaker. 

The party underscored that this misconduct is occurring during a severe economic crisis in Liberia, where many citizens are struggling to afford essential needs, including school enrollment for their children.

“At a time when the UP government is already struggling to pay civil servants and provide essential services, the reported disbursement of over $1.2 million to instigate this coup is a blatant disregard for the public’s outrage against corruption,” the CDC stated, adding that such actions warrant investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

The CDC also expressed concern over the UP’s relentless pursuit of control over the Speakership, which it believes undermines the critical balance of power in Liberia’s legislature. 

The party noted that currently, the ruling party leads the Senate while an opposition party heads the House of Representatives—an arrangement deemed essential for a healthy democracy.

In light of these developments, the CDC called upon all national opposition members to unite in defense of Speaker Koffa and reject any attempts to unlawfully remove legislative leaders based on selfish motives rather than the public good. “This moment requires our collective outrage!” the statement asserted.

Additionally, the CDC urged its lawmakers, who reportedly signed a resolution to unseat Speaker Koffa, to adhere to the party’s position and support the Speaker. The party advised that any disputes regarding Koffa’s performance should be resolved through established party mechanisms rather than public resolutions.

Meanwhile, a major meeting of the CDC is scheduled for tomorrow at noon at its headquarters, where all elected representatives and members of the CDC legislative caucus are expected to attend. 

The party warned that those who fail to attend would effectively disavow their membership.

The CDC, however, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining legislative balance, upholding the integrity of public finances, and pursuing transformational goals for Liberia, as outlined in a release from the party’s National Executive Committee.

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