On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, about forty-two (42) representatives resolved to declare the Deputy Speaker of the 54th National Legislature, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, as Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives, citing, among other things, the important role of the Speaker as the principal leader and spokesperson of the House who is responsible to maintain order, facilitate deliberation and promote bipartisan collaboration.
The resolution was signed at the Paris Restaurant in Sinkor and contained eight counts, which proffer Cllr. Koffa as best suited to lead the 55th Legislature, with an urge to other representatives to support the resolution as a demonstration of shared commitment to fostering effective and principled leadership at the first branch of government.
The 42 members of the in-coming 55th House of Representatives resolved to declare Representative J. Fonati Koffa as the preferred candidate for the position of Speaker; affirmed his 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; recognized his commitment to bipartisanship and ability to foster collaboration among members of various political affiliations and ideological backgrounds; acknowledged his unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of equity and fairness throughout the legislative process; commended his deep understanding of the issues concerning the constituents and the nation, as evidenced by his role/national understanding/management of the Office of Deputy Speaker; and expressed confidence in his ability to effectively communicate and advocate for the best interest of the House of Representatives and the Liberian people.
Also, they urged their certificated colleagues in the soon-to-be 55th House of Representatives to join them 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; and called for signatures on the declaration as a means of all would-be members of the 55th House an opportunity to express their support for Representative Koffa as the next Speaker.
Among those who have signed the resolution are James Kolleh, PUP; Josiah Marvin Cole, CDC; Eugene J.M. Kollie, CDC; Foday E. Fahnbulleh, Independent; Zinnah A. Norman, CDC; Luther S. Collins, Independent; Isaac G. Bannie, MPC; Matthew Joe, CDC; Thomas A. Goshua, CPP; Bintu Massalley, CDC; Marie Johnson, LRP; J. Fonati Koffa, CDC; Thomas P. Fallah, CDC; Fortorma Julie Wiah, CDC; Siafa M. Kpoto, CDC; Gizzie K. Kollince, UP; P. Mike Jurry, CDC; Austine B. Taylor, Independent; Opee Roland Cooper, Independent; Ivar K. Jones, CDC; Ellen Attoh Whre, Independent; Emmanuel Yarh, CDC; Clarence G. Garh, CDC; Sumo Mulbah, ALP; Michael Thomas, Independent; Samuel R. Enders, Independent; Emmanuel Dahn, Independent; Frank Saah Foko, CDC; Jery K. Yougboh, Independent; Edward P. Flomo, CDC; Abu Bana Kamara, CDC; Dixon Seboe, CDC; Bernard Blue Benson, CDC; and Twain D. Gleekia, MDR.
Others are Taa Z. Wongbe, Independent; Alex Grant, Independent; Steve Tequah, Independent; Alexander Poure, CDC; Isaac Choloplay Wuo, CDC; Johnson S.N. Williams; CDC; Romeo Thomas Quioh, NDC; Samson Wiah, CDC; and Alex Noah, CDC.
According to them, their action was necessitated by the fact that the House’s leadership is in need of an individual with a proved track record of fairness, integrity and effectiveness in leading the legislative process, while exemplifying a commitment to upholding the Constitution and serving the best interests of the Liberian people.
They emphasized that the transition of the 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.
Cllr. Koffa is contesting for the 55th National Legislature’s Speakership against Montserrado County’s district #11 Representative, Richard Koon, and newly elected Nimba County’s district #7 Representative, Musa Hassan Bility.