The Institute for Transparency and Accountability International (ITAI) has strongly condemned the recent action by President Joseph Boakai to allegedly bribe members of the National Legislature for the evil purpose of removing the Speaker of the House Of Representatives, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa.
In a press release issued Wednesday, April 3, 2024, ITAI said, “It is a glaring fact that Joseph Boakai seems to be a dictator and has embarked on a venture by using monies that should be used to better the living conditions of the people for selfish political reasons.”
Representative Yekeh Kolubah recently raised the alarm that President Boakai, through the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, issued a cheque of US$4,500 to a group of Representatives for the removal of the Speaker.
However, ITAI said it sees the action as not only undemocratic in nature but insincere to a man who has been supportive of his ARREST agenda in the interest of the country. “Joseph Boakai wants to undermine the democracy of the Republic by becoming a domineering President. The plot to remove the Speaker, who is perceived to be an opposition lawmaker, is to have a speaker that will be a lame duck to the Executive Branch of Government. This action alone clearly undermines the system of check and balance in the governance process of our country. With the visible evidence of chronic poverty that has engulfed the masses, Joseph Boakai who promised to rescue the Liberian people has become an embarrassment and has proven to be a cunning and corrupt President,” the ITAI release criticized the President.
“Instead of focusing on the cogent issues that will address some of the harsh realities and material well-being of our people, we have a President who is only concerned about achieving his parochial interests at the detriment of the survival of our people,” the release observed.
The ITAI release condemned the action of the lawmakers who received the money to carry out the clandestine action, and urged them to let allow their bellies to control their brains; instead, they should conduct themselves in a manner that befits their portfolios as representatives of the people.
The group also called on Speaker Koffa to remain steadfast in protecting the interest of the state at the first branch of government, and be warned about lawmakers who are only after what they can take home for themselves and their families.