Bong County – Bong County District 2 Consultant James Kolleh Saturday acknowledged that his choice to assist the removing of former Speaker of the Home of Representatives, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, was considerably influenced by former Bong County District 5 Consultant Edward W. Karfiah.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Talking over the weekend in the course of the thirteenth anniversary celebration of Radio Gbartala— a group radio station owned by Karfiah — Rep. Kolleh said that his alignment with the group of lawmakers that backed Consultant Koon’s speakership marketing campaign was not based mostly on private technique however reasonably on loyalty to Karfiah, whom he known as his “political godfather.”
“My political godfather supported the motion I took,” Rep. Kolleh instructed the viewers gathered on the occasion. “He was the one who launched me to the Rescue Staff that backed Consultant Koon for Speaker. He instructed us, ‘I see your success this fashion; go there for us,’ and people of us who listened adopted him.”
Rep. Kolleh’s public admission provides new perception into the behind-the-scenes maneuvers that led to the contentious and in the end unsuccessful try and unseat Speaker Koffa earlier this 12 months.
The political standoff that ensued from that try introduced legislative work on the Capitol Constructing to a halt for a number of days and escalated into bodily tensions, culminating in a hearth that broken components of the historic constructing.
On the time, a bunch of lawmakers, together with Rep. Kolleh, declared a vote of no confidence in Speaker Koffa and backed another management construction led by Rep. Koon. The group claimed dissatisfaction with Koffa’s management model and decision-making processes.
Nonetheless, no official movement of removing was accomplished by constitutional legislative process, and Koffa remained in workplace, albeit with lingering political divisions inside the Home.
Throughout his remarks at Radio Gbartala’s celebration, Rep. Kolleh emphasised that his loyalty to Karfiah stays agency. He credited the previous lawmaker with offering political path that, in response to him, is starting to yield advantages underneath the present legislative association.
“I’m not simply one in every of your sons, however your loyalist,” Rep. Kolleh instructed Karfiah. “You requested me to assist Richard’s speakership — that’s why I went there, and in the present day, I’m reaping the advantages of that call. Any profit I obtain underneath Richard’s management is due to you.”
Rep. Kolleh additional revealed that Karfiah had tried to mobilize a number of lawmakers to assist Rep. Koon’s speakership bid, although solely a handful responded favorably. “He approached many people. Not all adopted, however I did, and I’ve no regrets,” he added.
Whereas Rep. Kolleh’s admission make clear the inner affect networks working inside Liberia’s legislature, it additionally stirred delicate controversy on the very occasion the place it was made.
Sitting among the many friends on the celebration was Rep. Eugine Kollie of Bong County District 5, in whose constituency the occasion was held and who served because the chief launcher of the anniversary program.
Notably, Rep. Kolleh made no point out of or public acknowledgment of Rep. Kollie throughout his speech. Each males are identified to have political connections to Karfiah; nevertheless, their allegiances in the course of the speakership battle have been sharply totally different. Whereas Rep. Kolleh supported the ouster effort led by Rep. Koon, Rep Kollie remained loyal to the previous Speaker.
Observers on the occasion seen the awkward rigidity as Kolleh lavished reward on Rep. Karfiah whereas disregarding the presence of his fellow Bong County colleague. A number of residents and attendees later expressed concern over what they described as an indication of lingering division among the many county’s lawmakers.
In the meantime, Edward Karfiah, who as soon as represented Bong County District 5 within the Legislature and now runs Radio Gbartala, didn’t draw back from confirming his position within the political realignment.
“To those that don’t perceive politics: simply sit again and watch the way it performs,” Karfiah remarked. His remark appeared to underscore the strategic nature of political affect and alliance-building in Liberia’s fluid legislative surroundings.
Karfiah additionally instructed the viewers that any present political variations between Reps. Kolleh and Eugine Kollie had been resolved. “They’re each right here in the present day, and that alone is proof that reconciliation is feasible,” he stated.
Nonetheless, the assertion appeared untimely. Later that night, Rep. Kollie took to his Fb web page and posted a cryptic message that many interpreted as a delicate jab on the political undertones of the anniversary program. “Even Seh menhh. Don’t come right here along with your politics,” the put up learn, with none particular names or particulars.
The put up has since generated combined reactions, with some supporters urging unity amongst Bong lawmakers, whereas others imagine it highlights ongoing rifts which have but to be addressed.
