By Godgift Harris
Political tension within Liberia’s House of Representatives has escalated sharply with a bloc of lawmakers reportedly initiating moves to remove Speaker Richard N. Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas T. Fallah.
They are citing allegations of partisanship, exclusion, and abuse of authority.
Multiple sources on Capitol Hill told reporters that the dissatisfied lawmakers have accused the House leadership of aligning too closely with the ruling Unity Party, a posture they have claimed has compromised neutrality and sidelined the interests of legislators across party lines.
The critics argued that the Speaker and his Deputy have failed to provide balanced leadership, instead presiding over a system that concentrates power and marginalizes dissenting voices.
According to sources, the lawmakers have insisted that the House leadership must reflect fairness, inclusiveness, and equal representation at all levels.
They warned that the current arrangement has deepened internal divisions and weakened institutional cohesion at a time when the legislature is expected to provide effective oversight and lawmaking.
The unfolding crisis reportedly gathered momentum over the weekend, when at least twenty-two lawmakers held a series of closed-door meetings, first at the Police Academy and later at a hotel near the Roberts International Airport.
The meetings reportedly focused on the future of the House leadership and mounting dissatisfaction with how legislative affairs being managed.
Insiders familiar with the discussions said the gathering drew lawmakers from both majority and minority blocs, signaling an unusual realignment driven by shared concerns over accountability, transparency and decision-making at the highest level of the legislature.
Sources further disclosed that the lawmakers reached a consensus to draft and sign a ten-point resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Koon and Deputy Speaker Fallah.
The proposed resolution is also said to target several influential committee members, including four lawmakers from the powerful Ways, Means and Finance Committee and one member of the Rules and Order Committee.
Those pushing for the leadership shake-up cited alleged financial improprieties, excessive concentration of power, marginalization of colleagues and interference in committee operations as key reasons for their action.
While no formal charges have been made public, the allegations have intensified mistrust and hardened positions within the House.
As pressure mounts, the group is reportedly considering immediate measures to force change including plans to boycott the upcoming State of the Nation Address and deny quorum at future House
Sittings for as long as the current leadership remains in place. Such actions, if carried out, could paralyze legislative business and deepen the institutional crisis.
Sources said consultations are ongoing, with another high-level meeting expected in the coming days as the standoff continues.
Lawmakers behind the effort have also indicated that names of proposed replacements for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions will be announced soon.
The developments underscore a deepening crisis within the House of Representatives, raising serious concerns about legislative stability, governance and the ability of the institution to function effectively at a critical moment for the country.
Responding to the reports, Speaker Richard N. Koon dismissed the removal efforts, telling journalists that he has engaged those seeking to oust him and his deputy.
He expressed confidence that the attempt would fail, insisting that his leadership is not driven by party loyalty.
“I do not believe in party leadership at the Legislature,” Speaker Koon said.
“I believe in collective work and continuing to serve in the interest of the Liberian people.”
He also rejected the notion of legislative blocs, stressing that cooperation and unity should guide the work of the House.
Despite the Speaker’s assurances, observers say the growing rebellion highlights deeper structural and political fault lines within the Legislature fault lines that; if left unresolved, could further erode public confidence in one of Liberia’s key democratic institutions.