Monrovia, Liberia – May 11, 2025 — Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has announced his resignation from the leadership of the 55th National Legislature, effective 12 noon on May 12, 2025. The decision comes after months of political unrest, allegations of bribery, and a deepening constitutional crisis within Liberia’s House of Representatives.
The controversy began in October 2024 when a group of lawmakers, citing alleged conflicts of interest and unilateral decision-making by Speaker Koffa, signed a resolution to remove him from office. The resolution accused Koffa of altering the 2024 Draft National Budget without plenary approval and creating new committees without consultation.
However, the legitimacy of the resolution was soon questioned. Several lawmakers who initially signed the document, including Representatives Rugie Yatu Barry and Priscilla Cooper, withdrew their support. They raised concerns over procedural irregularities and alleged that signatures were obtained through financial inducements.
Tensions escalated when Representative Luther Collins admitted to accepting a US$15,000 bribe to support the Speaker’s removal. He claimed he did so to expose the alleged corruption behind the move and said the funds were distributed by fellow lawmakers.
In response, Speaker Koffa took the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that the process used to remove him violated the Constitution. He said the meeting held to declare his seat vacant lacked the required quorum and that some signatures had been rescinded before the vote. He further challenged the legality of the session and called for the court’s intervention.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, a group of lawmakers went ahead and elected Representative Richard Koon as Speaker, creating a split within the House. This led to parallel sessions and legislative deadlock, preventing key national decisions, including the passage of the national budget.
By December 2024, the crisis had spilled into the streets. Protests erupted in Monrovia, with demonstrators demanding the reinstatement of Speaker Koffa and calling for President Boakai’s resignation. During the protests, the Capitol building was set on fire—an incident still under investigation.
In announcing his resignation, Speaker Koffa said he hopes his decision will allow the Legislature to restore peace and constitutional order. The Rule of Law Caucus, while saddened by the move, endorsed the decision and emphasized the need to elect new leadership under Article 49 of the Constitution.
While Speaker Koffa’s resignation is seen by some as a step toward ending the power struggle within the House of Representatives, other sources suggest there may be more to the story.
According to reliable Capitol Hill sources, Speaker Koffa allegedly received $500,000 as part of a $3 million deal to step away from the ongoing leadership fight. The remaining $2.5 million, sources claim, will be paid in five separate installments.
