The House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature has elected its new leadership to guide the House in its mission to serve the people and uphold the principles of democracy.
In a keenly contested election, Grand Kru County’s district #2 Representative, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, emerged victorious as the new Speaker of the House. Cllr. Koffa secured 36 votes, prevailing over Montserrado County’s district #11 Representative, Richard Nagbe Koon, who managed 31 votes.
Prior to his elevation to the role of Speaker for the 55th Legislature, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa served as the Deputy Speaker during the 54th Legislature, bringing a wealth of experience to his new position.
In another significant development, Lofa County’s electoral district #1 Representative, Thomas Fallah, Sr., was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
Representative Fallah, the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives since his election in 2005, secured the position by defeating Nimba County’s district #7 Representative, Musa Hassan Bility, with a vote count of 42 to 24.
The election of these officials represents a crucial moment in the 55th Legislature, and their leadership is anticipated to contribute to the effective functioning of the House and the advancement of legislative priorities.
Looking ahead, the positions of Chief Clerk, Deputy Chief Clerk, and Sergeant At-Arms will be subject to election on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The outcome of these elections will further shape the leadership structure of the House, ensuring a comprehensive and capable team to oversee its affairs.
In a related development, Grand Bassa County’s Senator, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, has been elected Pro-Tempore of the 55th Liberian Senate. Senator Karnga-Lawrence was elected on white ballot, which was cast by Grand Kru County’s Senator and former Pro-Temp, Prof. Albert Chie.
After the election, the Senate instituted its entire structure for the 55th Legislature. They are Senator James P. Biney (Maryland), Chairman on Executive; Senator Abraham Darius Dillon (Montserrado), Chairman on Foreign Affairs; former Pro-Tempore Albert T. Chie (Grand Kru), Chairman on Public Works; Senator Cllr. Augustine Chea (Sinoe), Chairman on Judiciary; Senator Prince K. Moye (Bong), Chairman on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget; Senator Momo T. Cyrus (Lofa) Chairman on Defense, Security and Veteran Affairs; Senator Gblo-bo Brown (Maryland), Chairman on Rules, Order and Administration; Senator Nathaniel F. McGill (Margibi), Chairman on Education and Public Administration; Senator Dabah M. Varpilah (Grand Cape Mount), Chairperson on Health; Senator Prince Y. Johnson (Nimba), Chairman on Internal Affairs; Senator Armah Konneh (Gbarpolu); Chairman on Public Account and Audit; Senators Edwin M. Snowe (Bomi) and J. Alex Tyler (Bomi), ECOWAS Representatives; and Senator Francis Dopoe (River Gee) Cyrton Duncan (Sinoe), International Parliamentary Union (IPU) Representatives.