Monrovia, Liberia — In a call for unity within Liberia’s House of Representatives, members of Speaker Fonati Koffa’s bloc are advocating for reconciliation with the opposing faction.
Prominent figures within Speaker Koffa’s bloc—including Representatives Frank Saah Foko, Edward Flomo, Moima Briggs, Barnard “DJ Blue” Benson, and Musa Bility—made a public appeal on Tuesday, extending an “olive branch” to members of the Major Bloc, the group of lawmakers challenging Koffa’s leadership.
The lawmakers expressed concern that ongoing internal conflicts are distracting them from the critical work expected by the Liberian people.
“We came to do the Liberian People’s Job; we are saying to our brothers – even if they have issues let them come here (main chamber) and present them (the issues) so we can talk about them; I think we need to do the needful to do the People’s Job” Representative Frank Saah Foko of Montserrado County District 9 stated in an interview.
They acknowledged that the Liberian people expect them to work on their behalf, and not to be divided by personal grievances emphasizing that the prolonged divide could derail key legislative priorities and cause unnecessary delays.
“We have been in engagement with some of our colleagues from the other side- the anti Koffa bloc – we are talking with some of them to see reason that we can both join to come together in the interest of the Liberian People.”Representative Edward Flomo pleaded.
According to him, dialogue is the only way to address ongoing grievances and forge a more cohesive legislature.
“Rather for them to be on the other side, let them come let’s reconcile; we don’t have the numbers and they too don’t have the numbers so reconciliation is the only way”. Flomo added.
They urged the anti-Koffa bloc to join them at the discussion table to openly address disagreements and find common ground.
“The only way to address our differences is through conversation; this is not about fighting,” said Rep. Foko. “Let’s sit down, harmonize our issues, and focus on what we are here to do: serve Liberia.
The appeals from ardent supporters of Speaker Koffa come at a time the Speaker is finding it difficult to hold a single sitting due to the lack of quorum which requires 37 Representatives.
The anti Koffa Bloc has 43 Lawmakers while Speaker Koffa has had a fragile bloc of 30 Members with Tuesday attendance seeing a lower number of 28.
