MONROVIA: The ongoing fight up Capitol Hill surrounding the removal of House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, a key figure in the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has uncovered growing splits within the party.
Among the most notable developments is the unusual silence of Jefferson Tamba Koijee, the Coalition for Democratic Change Secretary-General and former Mayor of the city of Monrovia, who is widely known for his vocal defense of party interests.
For over a month now, Koijee has abstained from making any public statements regarding the Speaker’s trouble, leaving party members and political observers confused.
His silence has flashed speculation about his stance, with some CDC members suggesting he may be quietly aligning with those pushing for Koffa’s removal.
A Missing Voice
“Where is Koijee in this whole Speaker removal saga?” a concerned CDC supporter asked. “Koijee, who is noted for press conferences whenever something is going on with the CDC, hasn’t been seen or heard talking about this issue.”
Koijee’s usual fervent presence during critical political moments has made his current reticence all the more noticeable. Even after the Supreme Court delivered its ruling on the matter, Koijee’s silence persists, deepening uncertainty among party loyalists.
Speculations and Absences
Unidentified sources within the CDC suggest that Koijee’s silence may indicate an unspoken agreement with those advocating for Speaker Koffa’s removal.
“The way things are going now, it looks like Koijee and the other guys have all joined to call for the Speaker’s removal,” a party member speculated.
Adding to the tension, several prominent CDC lawmakers were absent from the Capitol on December 9, 2024, during a critical session marred by violence. Montserrado County District 9 Representative Frank Saah Foko, Grand Bassa County District 3 Representative Matthew F. Joe, and Grand Cape Mount County District 1 Representative Bintu Massalay were all missing. Their absence has fueled suspicions within party ranks.
“Why didn’t Foko, Joe, and Massalay show up at the Capitol? As CDC lawmakers, their absence raises serious concerns,” another party member questioned.
Growing Division
The mixture of Koijee’s silence and the absence of key CDC lawmakers is stoking division within the party.
Embattled Speaker Koffa, a prominent figure within the CDC has faced charges of corruption and conflict of interest, which have fueled calls for his concession.
However, the lack of a unified party position on the matter is creating a perception of disarray within the CDC.
Party members are now demanding clarity from Koijee, whose vocal interventions have historically rallied support during moments of crisis. “Why is Koijee not talking as he loves to do? Does he also want Koffa out?” one supporter inquired.
Uncertain Path Forward
As tensions escalate, the CDC faces a critical test of its internal cohesion. The silence of influential figures like Jefferson Koijee and the conspicuous absences of lawmakers during a pivotal moment raise questions about the party’s unity and strategy.
With Speaker Koffa’s future hanging in the balance and divisions within the CDC becoming more apparent, party members are left wondering whether this internal discord could weaken the party’s standing in the lead-up to the next political chapter. For now, all eyes remain on Koijee, whose next move could determine the direction of the unfolding drama.