The embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, has accused the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Jeremiah K. Koung, of blatantly twisting the truth on Spoon TV Live and distorting the facts, referring to him as the principal mastermind of the whole un-Constitutional saga in the House of Representatives.
“I listened to the distorted and inaccurate comments made by Vice President Koung on Spoon TV few minutes ago,” Speaker Koffa stated.
On Sunday night, Vice President Koung accused Speaker Koffa of attempting to negotiate with the “majority bloc” of the House.
The Vice President stated that Koffa requested the “majority bloc” to agree on three key issues: lifting the suspensions placed on a few representatives from his bloc, assigning some of his bloc representatives to committees, and allowing him to preside over the session as he officially transfers authority to Deputy Speaker Fallah.
However, Speaker Koffa categorically denied the allegation, and said at no time did he negotiate with the Vice President nor the President to resign.
“My position is and has always been let’s return to legislative normalcy by 1) removing the illegal suspensions, 2) restoring the rightful committee heads, and 3) returning to chambers and discussing all matters, including their complaints in session,” Speaker Koffa explained.
According to the embattled Speaker, the VP asked for white ballot for Richard Koon, passage of the budget, and discussion of committee after a new speaker, but he rejected all his proposals.
“We came to no agreement, and the next day the minister of justice gave the opinion on the court ruling, which was written for him. But the most telling thing is that the Vice President’s appearance and inappropriate comments on a radio talk show exposed his hand as the principal mastermind of the whole un-Constitutional saga,” Speaker Koffa added.
He vowed to remain firm on the side of the law, noting that the Executive can continue to ignore the rule of law, but he will not waver.