The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has expelled its Vice Chair for Operation and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas P. Fallah, with immediate effect.
According to a CDC release, Fallah’s expulsion is in keeping with recommendations from the party’s Grievance and Ethics Committee, which was mandated to investigate the action of CDC lawmakers siding with the “majority bloc” of the House of Representatives to remove Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, who is a stalwart of the party.
The party affirmed that Fonati Koffa remains the Constitutional Speaker of the 55th National Legislature. The party urged Speaker Koffa not to resign, as such a step would amount to Constitutional suicide and undermine the integrity of the Liberian government.
“In light of this, the CDC does not recognize the so-called election of Richard Koon, which was orchestrated by the Unity Party. The party stands firmly by the Supreme Court’s ruling that upholds Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, recognizing Speaker Koffa as the legitimate holder of the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives,” the CDC release stated.
The CDC further expressed grave concern over the recent action of the so-called “majority bloc”, particularly regarding the un-Constitutional discussions surrounding the national budget. “The party views these actions as a deliberate attempt to loot the nation’s resources and destabilize the country’s economic foundation.
The party further warned that should President Joseph Boakai sign such ‘treasonous’ legislation into law, the CDC will respond accordingly, holding the President and his supporters accountable for undermining the national interest and Constitutional order,” the party stated.
Meanwhile, the CDC Executive Committee has issued a seven-day ultimatum to all temporarily suspended CDC lawmakers to rejoin the party ranks or face expulsion. The party said the move is to further protect the integrity of the National Legislature.