Monrovia — FrontPage Africa has reliably realized that President Joseph Boakai has reportedly suggested Residence Speaker Fonati Koffa to resign, threatening to strip him of immunities, including security and police safety, if he refuses.
According to the Liberian Structure, Speaker Koffa is 2nd within the road of succession and the third-most sensible-rating loyal within the nation after the President and Vice President.
Sources advise that throughout a Tuesday morning assembly, President Boakai requested Speaker Koffa’s resignation. When Koffa refused, the President reportedly warned that he would toughen the Majority Bloc’s push to steal away him from keep of job and revoke all his protections.
The sources additional claimed that Speaker Koffa, visibly upset, responded defiantly, pointing out that he would respect the law and dwell in his arena no matter any threats. However, the Speaker is but to handle the matter publicly.
Tensions Escalate at the Capitol
The President’s alleged ultimatum comes amid heightened tensions following a violent altercation at the Capitol Constructing on Monday. Intently armed law enforcement officials stormed the seat of the Legislature, injuring lawmakers and staffers aligned with Speaker Koffa.
The police presence, allegedly requested by the Majority Bloc to facilitate the 2025 funds hearings, sparked outrage. Speaker Koffa had earlier declared the hearings unlawful and suggested the Government Division to boycott the design. Supporters of the Speaker attempted to block the hearings, ensuing in a violent battle of words when the police arrived.
Among the many injured were Reps Luther Collins (Gbarpolu County), who sustained well-known arm injuries after being crushed with a baton, and Yekeh Kolubah (District #10, Montserrado County). Several staffers were also injured, including one seen bleeding profusely from the top in a live social media broadcast. One more staffer turned into as soon as handled with bandages at a native sanatorium in Monrovia.
Speaker Koffa’s Condemnation
Addressing journalists on Monday, Speaker Koffa condemned the police actions and accused the Government of escalating the warfare.
“I am extremely disappointed. We have repeatedly asked the Executive Branch to ensure the rule of law prevails,” he said. “The disappointing part is seeing members of the Executive and police brutalizing lawmakers. This suggests the so-called absentee lawmakers are receiving aid and comfort from the Executive in this treasonable plot. It is unfortunate and undermines our democracy. We call on all sides to step back and respect the rule of law and the Supreme Court, which is the final arbiter.”
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Majority Bloc Pushes Forward
The Majority Bloc is reportedly rising stress on the Government to strip Speaker Koffa of his immunities. Early Tuesday, tensions remained high at the Capitol with a well-known insurgent police presence as lawmakers from every facets arrived.
However, proceedings stalled when every the Majority and Minority blocs adjourned their respective sessions due to an absence of quorum. The stalemate continues no matter a Supreme Court docket ruling, leaving the legislative disaster unresolved.
