The Institute for Transparency and Accountability International (ITAI) has congratulated the newly elected Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives, Cllr. Fonati Koffa, and commended members of both Houses of the 55th Legislature for the peaceful manner in which the National Legislature was reconstituted, calling for the coordination of the country’s development agenda.
In a press statement issued January 15, 2024, ITAI hailed members of the House for the bold step to elect Cllr. Koffa as their leader, and commended their resilience in standing by a true statesman in the midst of a series of allegation of bribery from the Executive branch of government.
The group pointed out that election at the Capitol is over, and it is now time that Cllr. Koffa uses his leadership skills to unite members of the House to foster the national development interest.
According to the transparency group, even though the election generated grave contestation between Representatives Richard Koon and Cllr. Koffa’s sides, it was conducted peacefully and maturely, noting that the manner in which the election was conducted set the pace for a successful journey towards development.
At the same time, the Institute for Transparency and Accountability International has urged both Houses of the Legislature to be receptive in advancing the development agenda of the Unity Party of President-elect Joseph Boakai, saying that it should rather remain firm as well to ensure the Legislature does not become a rubber-stamp.
It can be recalled that ITAI openly declared support to the former Deputy Speaker of the 54th House of Representatives, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, for the Speakership position of the 55th National Legislature, which was held on Monday, January 15, 2024.
ITAI justified that its support was predicated on the fact that Cllr. Koffa is best suited for the position, adding that Cllr. Koffa has served as Deputy Speaker for the House of Representatives and in some cases, Acting Speaker, making him knowledgeable of the functions of such capacity.
Meanwhile, ITAI has called on Speaker Koffa to work closely and collectively with the Liberian Senate, the Executive and the Judiciary in moving the country forward.
ITAI however warned Cllr. Koffa not to use the position to subject national interest to party scrutiny, as doing so will only stall the development of the country.