Claim: “Gbarpolu County D#2 Representative, Luther Collins, has accused several lawmakers of receiving US $15k as initial payment to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.”
Verdict: Unproven
Source: Representative Luther Collins
Full Text: Gbarpolu County District #2 Representative, Luther Collins, on Thursday, October 16, 2024, in a live Facebook podcast, accused several lawmakers of receiving US$15k as an initial payment to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The claims can be seen here, here, and here
He named Representative James Kolleh of Bong County District #2 and Representative Clarence Gahr of Margibi County as lead campaigners for the speaker’s removal.
Collins also alleged that Vice President Jeremiah Kpang Koung, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah, Mo Ali, Managing Director of the Liberia Water Sewer Corporation (LWSC), and Sirleaf Tyler, Transport Minister, are the top financiers in this process.
Collins estimated the total bribe to be $25,000 and promised to pay the balance upon Koffa’s successful removal.
The post alleged that 47 lawmakers signed for the US$15K, noting that Representative James Kolleh allegedly took US$200.00 from his portion of the US$15,000.
The legislator also displayed an alleged document with the signatures of lawmakers who signed to remove Koffa.
Julie Fatorma Wiah, a Lofa County, District #2 representative, is another representative accused of receiving the US$15K.
Wiah said she was compelled to address recent events in the House of Representatives.
She added that, amidst controversies and allegations, including claims of financial inducement, leading to a call for the removal of the sitting Speaker, it was important to note that she, as a lawmaker, was never induced by money.
Wiah stated that she endorsed the resolution calling for the Speaker’s removal, not because of any form of financial gain or gifts.
She said her decision was based on her commitment to upholding the principles of good governance and accountability.
The Lofa County Representative said she has consistently advocated for transparency, accountability, and proper management of state resources, but the speaker has repeatedly failed to address the issues she raised.
However, the incident has further fueled concerns of pervasive corruption in the legislature.
The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), in a press statement on October 21, 2024, noted that it has been made aware of serious allegations regarding the involvement of certain members of the House of Representatives in acts of bribery aimed at influencing the removal of the Speaker of the House.
The LACC further states that it has also been made aware of sources of funding in the total amount of US$750,000.00, which was allegedly made available to the lawmakers through the accounts of the Ministry of Transport and the LWSC, respectively.
Hours after their press release ( LACC), LWSC management immediately requested a swift investigation into the alleged involvement of the LWSC in the funding of the attempted removal of the Speaker of the 55th Legislature of Liberia.
The management said it is ignorant of the allegation and thereby remains hopeful of a prompt and impartial investigation by the LACC, whose outcome will ultimately exonerate the LWSC.
Verification: To verify this claim, TSM contacted Representative James Kolleh of District #2, Bong County via a messenger message to respond to the claim.
In response, Kolleh said he voted against Speaker Koffa during the speakership election and has for a long time disagreed with his handling of the house.
He added that he has been critical of his leadership due to bad governance and does not need to be paid before deciding on him.
He said his decision to declare a vote of no confidence in Speaker Koffa is predicated on the counts in their Resolution
Conclusion: Based on our research, TSM determined that representative Luther Collins of Gbarpolu County’s claim is unproven.
