Montserrado County District#8 Representative, Prince A. Toles, has strongly denied allegations that he accepted $15,000 to support the removal of House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The lawmaker’s response comes after rumors circulated on social and traditional media suggesting that 47 lawmakers had been financially incentivized to sign a resolution calling for the Speaker’s ouster.
“I want to clearly state that the recent claims about me receiving $15,000 USD to sign the resolution for Speaker Koffa’s removal are entirely false and misleading,” Representative Toles said in a statement issued on October 18, 2024.
Toles emphasized that his decision to sign the resolution was based solely on the merits of the petition presented, and not on any financial inducement.
“My decision to sign the resolution was based solely on the merits of the 6 counts petition presented, and it was made in accordance with our rules and procedures.”
Responding to the reports, Toles reassured his constituents that he remains committed to transparency and ethical conduct. “I want to reassure my constituents and all Liberians that my decision was not influenced by any financial incentives. I reaffirm my support for the resolution and the petition that was presented.”
The Montserrado lawmaker pledged to continue serving with integrity, saying, “As your elected representative, I am committed to upholding integrity and transparency in all my actions. I will continue to serve you with honesty and dedication, always prioritizing the best interests of our district and nation.”
The allegations, which have sparked public debate, remain unsubstantiated as lawmakers continue deliberations on the resolution to remove Speaker Koffa.
A local Online Newspaper, the Liberian Investigator late Friday reported that about 41 lawmakers met in Barnersville, to continue their bid to remove Speaker Koffa.
According to the report, Representative Samuel Kogar was elected Chairman of the group of “Rebel” Lawmakers.
