Several Lawmakers Signed Resolution -To support Cllr. Koffa’s Speakership

By: H Matthew Turry

MONROVIA: As the battle for the leadership of the House of Representatives intensifies, several members of the House of Representatives have signed a resolution declaring support for Deputy House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, to be the next Speaker of the 55th national legislature.

In a resolution signed at the Paris Restaurant, in Monrovia late Tuesday evening, the signatories to the Resolution a unanimous decision said their desire to support the speakership bid of Cllr. Koffa was based on the necessity for an individual with a proven track record of fairness, integrity, and effectiveness to lead the legislative process of the 55th Legislature and to exemplify commitment to upholding the Constitution and serving the best interests of the Liberian people.

“The transition our country is currently going through and the need for a Speaker to fill the soon to be vacant seat created by the Constitution, and requires the selection of an individual to fulfill this vital role,” they said, noting therefore that they, the undersigned thereby resolved to declare Representative J. Fonati Koffa as the preferred candidate for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives and to affirm Representative Koffa’s experience and expertise in parliamentary procedures, demonstrated through his leadership positions, legislative accomplishments, or successful management of the office of the Deputy Speaker, and his legal understanding.

“To recognize Representative Koffa’s commitment to bipartisanship and ability to foster collaboration amongst members of various political affiliations and ideological backgrounds”, the signatories to the resolution acknowledged Representative Koffa’s “unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of equity and fairness throughout the legislative process”, and lauded his deep understanding of the issues concerning “our constituents and our nation, as evidenced by his role/national understanding and management   of the Office of Deputy Speaker”.

Besides, they expressed “our confidence in Representative Koffa’s ability to effectively communicate and advocate for the best interests of the House of Representatives and the Liberian people and urge our esteemed certificated colleagues in the soon to be 55th House of Representatives to join us in declaring Representative Koffa for the position of Speaker, recognizing that he possesses the necessary qualities and experience to fulfill this role in an exemplary manner”.

Some of the several signatories to the resolution included but not limited to Foday E. Fanbulleh, an independent legislator,  Zinnah A. Norman of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC); Josiah Marvin Cole of the CDC;  Luther S. Collins, an Independent legislator and  Marie Johnson  of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP).

Others are Thomas A. Goshua of the Collaborating Political Party(CPP); Rep. Matthew Joe of the CDC;  Mr. Isaac G. Bannie of the Movement for Progressive Changer (MPC); Clarence G. Garh, Emmanuel Yarh, also of the CDC;  and  Ellen A. Attoh Wreh and Independent Candidate to the Legislature.

Also committing to Deputy Speaker Koffa’s Bid for the office of the  Speaker are R. Mike Jurry of the CDC; Gizzie K. Kollince, Fortorma Julie Wiah – CDC;  J. Fonati Koffa – CDC;’ Michael M. Thomas – Independent Candidate;  and  Sumo K. Mulbah of the All-Liberia Party (ALP).

The rest are Jerry K, Yougboh,  Independent;  Emmanuel Dahn, Independent, Samuel R. Enders, Independent; Bernard Blue Benson – CDC:  Dixon W. Seboe- CDC:  Abu Bana Kamara -CDC; Johnson S. N. Williams Sr. – CDC;  Alexander Poure – CDC;  Steve Tequah -Independent;  Taa Z. Wongbe –Independent Samuel N. Brown, Sr. – Independent ; Samson Q. Wiah  – CDC and Alex S. Noah –CDC.

The above-named  incoming legislators avowed to call for signatures on this declaration, as a means of ensuring that all would-be members of 55th House of Representatives have an opportunity to express their support for Representative Koffa as the next Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives.

“As such, We, the undersigned representatives, hereby declare Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa as Speaker of the House of Representatives and urge our fellow representatives to support this resolution as a demonstration of our shared commitment to fostering effective and principled leadership within 55th House of Representatives,” the resolution concluded

In a race that is expected to be heated and full of intrigues, the Grand Kru County lawmaker is being challenged by Messrs Richard Koon of the Unity Party Alliance of Montserrado County and Musa Hassan Bility, National Chairman of the Collaborating Political Parties(CPP). Each of them has been vigorously campaigning to woo their colleagues in addition to those who have already signed on to their respective ambitions based on political affiliation.

The CDC which Koffa represents has 25 elected members in the next dispensation, the UP Alliance of Richard Koon has 10 members while Bility’s CPP has 4 members. The election for the Speakership and the Deputy comes up on January 15, 2024.

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