By H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – In the wake of mounting pressure from citizens across the country for the anti-Koffa bloc to return to session, Montserrado County electoral District #5 Representative Priscilla Abram Cooper has formally withdrawn her support from the rebellion lawmakers to remove House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
Citing concerns over procedural shortcomings that she argues undermine the rule of law, Madam Cooper said her initial decision to support the majority members was based on her interest in some of the clauses in the resolution, with the opportunity of giving the Speaker due process.
Addressing a news conference yesterday, November 4, 2024, at her Capitol Building office, Montserrado lawmaker Cooper emphasized her dedication to due process and constitutional adherence, noting that her initial support for Koffa’s removal was contingent on strict procedural compliance.
Referencing the 1986 Liberian Constitution and House rules, Rep. Cooper noted that the struggle to oust Speaker Koffa has failed to adhere to required procedural standards.
The campaign against Koffa stems from mounting discontent within the House of Representatives, where plotters seeking is ouster accuse him of an overly centralized leadership style that limits open dialogue and stifles legislative input.
“It has been over one month, and this procedure has not been followed,” Cooper said, explaining her decision to step back until the process aligns with lawful standards and “I am disengaging myself to wait until the right procedures are followed”.
Representative Cooper expressed concerns that a mismanaged effort to remove Koffa could set a damaging precedent, undermining Liberia’s democratic trajectory.
Cooper also reiterated her support for President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, a comprehensive reform plan aimed at strengthening governance and stability across Liberia. “It is essential that we avoid engaging in anything that could have the propensity of derailing the progress of our democracy or undermining President Boakai’s ARREST Agenda,” she added.
She urged her fellow legislators to prioritize their legislative duties in a “lawful, unified, productive, and constructive manner, Cooper appealed for restraint until an official plenary session could address the issue.
Addressing her constituents, she affirmed by saying, “The people of District No. 5 know they’re my heart, and it’s because of them that I’m doing this—staying on the side of the law to ensure the rule of law is adhered to.
It can be recalled, on a fateful day of Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Capitol Building was a scene of traction when the Anti-Koffa plotters were zealously gather signatures in the absence of the Speaker to remove him Koffa, but was met with resistance from Representative Saah Foko and colleagues who successfully disrupted the holding of session by the House in the absence of Koffa, demanded that the chamber of the plenary be closed until the arrival of the Speaker in the country.
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