“I inserted myself in the midst of colleagues concocting such a plan, tasked with gathering information regarding the number of signatures in support of the removal and identifying the masterminds behind the movement.”
CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA: As the struggle up Capitol Hill for the removal of House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa continues, that those seeking to remove the Speaker have been hit with a major setback with Grand Bassa County District #5 representative Thomas A. Goshuah, II withdrawing his support to the process of the Speaker removal.
Initially, Representative Goshuah affixed his signature to the resolution for the Speaker’s Removal.
But the Lawmaker while addressing a team of Journalists at his Capitol Building Office over the weekend said his actions to sign the resolution was with the knowledge and consent of a couple of his colleagues.
“I inserted myself in the midst of colleagues concocting such a plan, tasked with gathering information regarding the number of signatures in support of the removal and identifying the masterminds behind the movement.” He said
According to him, his role in the matter was to carry out an investigations intended to collect information on behalf of Speaker Koffa and it was not meant as an endorsement of the effort to unseat the Speaker.
The Grand Bassa District 5 Lawmaker moreover assured that as an elected representative and member of the House of Representatives, he rescinded his autograph from the resolution which sought the removal of Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa with prompt effect.
He also mentioned that he has accomplished the task and has the understanding of the circumstances surrounding the resolution, which necessitates the clarification.
“Upon completing my inquiry, I came to realize that the push for Speaker Koffa’s removal was largely in response to his bold stance to commence the audit of the House of Representatives marred by bribery.”
Speaking further, he said auditing the National Legislature is a significant development because such an audit has never been conducted for as long as he can remember.
He accused his colleagues that it is because of the proposed audit, which according to him aims to promote transparency and accountability within the House, has clearly generated resistance from certain quarters, and he now figured out that this resistance is the primary basis for the resolution to remove him the Speaker.
“In light of this revelation, we as lawmakers, in good conscience, should not support any effort aimed at stifling such an important and necessary step toward good governance. Speaker Koffa’s proposal to audit the House is an unprecedented move toward ensuring that the people’s representatives are accountable to those they serve.
“Therefore, I want to make it unequivocally clear that my signature was never intended as an endorsement of any action aimed at opposing these reforms.” He added
Representative Goshuah explained that Speaker Koffa has demonstrated exemplary leadership during his tenure, and so he continues to have confidence in his vision for a more transparent and accountable legislature.
“While I respect the right of my colleagues to raise concerns, I believe that efforts to address internal grievances must be constructive and solution-oriented, rather than undermining a leader committed to institutional reform.”
Expressing regrets, he also frowned that the drive to remove the Speaker has been interweaved with opposition to such a critical initiative as the audit.
“We, as representatives of the people, have a duty to embrace transparency, not resist it. This audit represents a turning point for the House of Representatives, and I believe it is essential for restoring trust in the legislative process.”
“Going forward, I urge all members of the House to focus on what truly matters: serving the people of Liberia. The challenges we face require our full attention, and we cannot afford to be distracted by internal divisions. The audit proposed by Speaker Koffa is a vital step in ensuring that the institution of the House of Representatives operates in the best interest of the public.” stated Representative Goshuah
He stressed that he remains committed to working alongside his colleagues to foster unity and progress within the Legislature.
“It is my hope that we can come together and move past this moment of division, so that we may address the critical issues facing our country.”
He however noted that his decision to rescind his signature is not just about clarifying his position on the resolution, but also about affirming his support for the much-needed reforms Speaker Koffa has introduced.
“I stand in support of accountability and transparency, and I believe that the proposed audit of the House of Representatives is an essential first step toward building a better future for Liberia,” he concluded