As Liberia stands at yet another critical crossroad in its legislative journey, following the resignation of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and the growing defiance of the majority bloc against the Supreme Courtโs recent ruling, we are once again reminded that the true test of leadership is not in the power one holds, but in the purpose it serves.
A proposed election for a new Speaker scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, should be seen not as an opportunity for political showmanship, but as a sacred responsibility- to reaffirm our loyalty not to parties, blocs, or individuals, but to the people who entrusted us with their mandate.
The continuous tug-of-war for the Speakerโs gavel has not only exposed the fragility of our legislative cohesion but also revealed a troubling trend: a House more focused on internal supremacy than national service. Patriotism must now rise above partisanship. Greed must give way to governance. Liberiaโs progress cannot afford to be the casualty of inflated egos and political theatre.
History has taught us-at a cost.
From the assassination of Speaker Richard A. Henries in the 1980 coup, the role of the Speaker has never been immune to turmoil. Following him, the turbulent 1990s saw interim legislative heads shuffled in and out with little regard for institutional integrity.
More recently, the bitter power struggle between Alex Tyler and Deputy Speaker Hans Barchue in 2016 paralyzed House proceedings, with Tylerโs eventual resignation doing little to address the systemic issues at play. The contentious rise of Bhofal Chambers in 2018, marked by accusations of bias and party dominance, brought more division than unity.
What did the Liberian people gain from these episodes? Roads built? Schools opened? Hospitals equipped? Or did they witness more chaos while their needs were ignored?
Now, history calls again-will we answer with wisdom or repeat the cycle?
We urge all Representatives to reflect deeply. This is not the time to prove who controls more seats or who can manipulate the rules best. This is the time to choose Liberia over loyalty to factions. The Speaker position is not a throne-it is a platform to serve, protect, and uplift.
Remember: The end justifies the means. Never hunt what you cannot kill. If your fight is not for the people, it will not stand. Let your decisions today be a turning point-not for individual victory, but for national healing.
Let us elect not just a new Speaker-but a new spirit of leadership.
Let Liberia win.
Sincerely,
๐๐๐๐ ๐. ๐ต. ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ก, ๐๐.
A Patriot in Service of the Republic
Good morning, Liberia
