19/10/2024
MONTSERRADO COUNTY DISTRICT12 REPRESENTATIVE, HON. JERRY K. YOGBOH POSITION ON CALLS FOR SPEAKER KOFFA'S REMOVAL
October 18, 2024
My fellow Liberians, especially my esteemed citizens of District 12, who I represent at the 55th Legislature, I want to assure you that I remain firmly committed to my promise of standing up for the promotion of accountability and transparency at the first branch of the Liberian Government. I strongly believe that the ongoing calls and actions by some of my colleagues at the House of Representatives for Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to be removed is a test to my resolve of standing on the side of accountability and transparency.
While I respect the right of my colleagues to call for the Speaker's removal, I see no substantive basis to support the call at this time. I believe that those who have issues with the speaker should address such in conformity with the 1986 Liberian Constitution and consistent with the Rules and Procedures of the House of Representatives. Hon.Cllr.J Fonati Koffa has initiated a series of reform policies at the Legislature, geared towards instituting accountability and transparency in th public sector, something all well-meaning Liberians are yearning for on a daily basis. Corruption, misuse of public funds, budget alterations and manipulation have benefited a few at the detriment of the country's development process. Speaker Koffa's fight and stance on the AUDIT OF THE LEGISLATURE is the most desirable public policy intent that has endeared me to standing with his leadership. His consistent calls for the audit of the legislature and the stringent measures introduced, affecting the review, appropriation, and passage of the National Budget have created nervousness among some of our colleagues who have benefited from Budget manipulations and loot.
In this light, I, Hon. Jerry K. Yogboh, Sr, Representative of Electoral District 12, Montserrado County, distance myself from calls for Speaker Koffa's removal, especially with allegations that those who signed the resolution for the Speaker's removal receive BRIBE. Bribery is a felonious crime that should not be taken lightly. As Representatives of the Liberian people, clothed with the functions of exercising oversight over the other two branches of the Liberian Government, it is disgraceful and disappointing for us to be at the core center of BRIBERY allegations, which is a serious violations of our laws.
Given the seriousness attached to the allegations of BRIBERY, I call on the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to immediately institute a fulll scale investigation into such alleged detestable act. This has the propensity to taint and further dent the image of the House of Representatives, which the Koffa's Leadership is fighting to restore.
I reaffirm and recommit to the CONSTITUENTS of District 12 and the Liberian People that I will not get involved in acts that will betray the TRUST reposed in me to represent them at the 55th Legislature. Until I can see substantive and tangible reasons, amounting to betrayal of my trust in him, I pledge my SUPPORT to the leadership of Hon. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa as SPEAKER of the 55th Legislature.
Hon. Jerry K. Yogboh, Sr.
Representative
District 12, Montserrado County
Republic of Liberia
