MONROVIA – It appears the final straw on the coat of J. Fonati Koffa has been eliminated with the defection of Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, setting the stage for the embattled Speaker to satisfy the tip of what’s prone to be his quick stint as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
Before his look within the Joint Chamber, Fallah had a vital choice on whether or not to affix his colleagues within the effort to unseat Koffa, who faces accusations of battle of curiosity and poor management.
The majority bloc, composed of insurgent lawmakers, led by Representative Samuel Kogar of Nimba’s fifth district, had written a communication to Fallah — who, like Koffa, hails from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) — to affix ranks with them of their bid to take away the Speaker.
To succeed, they want a two-thirds majority, or 49 votes, out of the 73 elected members of the House. On Tuesday, October 22, the group gathered 43 members in a separate chamber and voted to summon Fallah. They warned that if he fails to attend, they are going to transfer to take away him from his place as Deputy Speaker.
In response, Fallah wrote that he wanted time to seek the advice of his lawyer earlier than making a call. In his letter, Fallah acknowledged, “In view of the aforesaid, and considering that these proceedings squarely and seriously border on our Rules and Procedures, and the sacred Liberian Constitution; I write to crave the indulgence of my colleagues in the Joint Chamber to excuse my absence today in order to allow me some time to consult with my legal team regarding the matter at hand, to enable me to make an informed decision that will not contravene the Liberian constitution and other relevant Statutes.”
Is Koffa’s downfall imminent?
On Thursday, October 31, Fallah made a notable entrance to the Joint Chamber, wearing a white go well with. He obtained a heat reception from his colleagues. The environment was charged as he was embraced by fellow lawmakers, who cheered and expressed their help.
Upon taking the stage, Fallah obtained the authority to conduct the session from presiding officer Representative Thomas Gahr. However, the absence of the Chief Clerk of the House, who despatched in an excuse citing sickness, was famous in the course of the proceedings.
Fallah’s choice Thursday carries vital weight, as his choice to interrupt away from the pro-Koffa bloc may have far-reaching penalties, not just for the interior dynamics of the House but additionally for his political future inside the CDC.
Many observers imagine that Fallah’s stance has strengthened the rising dissent in opposition to Koffa’s management and supplied the embattled Speaker a lifeline to take care of his place.
CDC slams Fallah
The CDC Thursday issued a press release, condemning Fallah and different lawmakers of the occasion who’ve disobeyed the occasion’s National Executive Committee and His Excellency President George Manneh Weah to go in opposition to Speaker Koffa.
The occasion mentioned these actions are clearly influenced by the Joseph Boakai authorities and supposed to destabilize the CDC. “These schemes will fail and the CDC will emerge stronger after all this,” the occasion mentioned.
I’ve determined to affix my colleagues who’ve raised some grievances in opposition to Speaker Koffa, for which this Honorable physique is being dropped at disrepute. These colleagues characterize the vast majority of lawmakers within the House of Representatives they usually merely can’t be ignored! My choice to affix the decision for resolving this impasse isn’t a repudiation of my help for Speaker Koffa or the CDC. It is as an alternative an illustration of my unwavering dedication to our democracy, which should transcend anybody particular person or faction.
Rep. Thomas P. Fallah, Deputy Speaker, House of Representative
Fallah, nonetheless, reaffirmed his loyalty to the CDC, including that his choice to align with the insurgent lawmakers was in step with his dedication to the rules of democracy amid ongoing tensions inside the legislature.
He emphasised that his latest actions will not be a betrayal of his occasion or Speaker Koffa, however reasonably a vital response to the urgent challenges dealing with the House.
“Our inability to convene as one body threatens the democratic foundation upon which this nation is built,” Fallah acknowledged, underscoring the significance of a functioning legislature.
Lawmakers, heed this rigorously: respect for the Constitution isn’t non-compulsory, and adherence to the Supreme Court’s rulings is non-negotiable. In a useful democracy, the rule of regulation should at all times take priority over political maneuvering. To disregard that is to ask chaos, the place energy, not precept, reigns. Let this be a reminder: regulation supersedes all political interference, and to undermine it’s to erode the very basis of the state itself.
Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, famend lawyer and former presidential candidate
He acknowledged the grievances raised by a majority of lawmakers in opposition to Speaker Koffa, which he believes should be addressed to revive credibility to the House.
Fallah clarified that whereas he helps Koffa, he has determined to have interaction with the dissenting lawmakers to make sure all voices are heard. “My decision is not a repudiation of my support for Speaker Koffa or the CDC; it’s about safeguarding our democracy,” he mentioned.
Is Fallah Majority Bloc’s Session Lawful?
Legal consultants are carefully following latest developments on Capitol Hill, as the bulk bloc continues to defy a Supreme Court order, with some analysts warning of potential penalties for disregarding the judiciary. Renowned constitutional and human rights lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, voiced his issues in a Facebook put up, stating, “Lawmakers, heed this carefully: respect for the Constitution is not optional, and adherence to the Supreme Court’s rulings is non-negotiable.”
He continued, “In a functional democracy, the rule of law must always take precedence over political maneuvering. To disregard this is to invite chaos, where power, not principle, reigns. Let this be a reminder: law supersedes all political interference, and to undermine it is to erode the very foundation of the state itself.”
On Tuesday, the bulk bloc proceeded to carry a session, disregarding a Supreme Court directive ordering a suspension of all actions associated to the management dispute within the House of Representatives till a convention scheduled for this Monday, November 4.
Despite the writ of prohibition issued by Justice in Chambers Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, the bloc resumed their session on Thursday, following Deputy Speaker Fallah’s defection to their ranks. Observers famous that because the longest-serving member of the House, Fallah was anticipated to advise his colleagues to stick to the court docket’s order and chorus from holding additional classes.
Although lawmakers stay defiant, they’ve agreed to attend the Supreme Court convention on Monday. The final result of this convention is very anticipated, as the general public and authorized analysts alike await the Court’s response to the unfolding standoff.
