Within 24 Hours After Embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa Resigned, But Bility Says It’s Victory For Democracy
PHOTO: Newly elected Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon taking the oath of office at the Capitol earlier
By Our Staff Writer
Against the background of the May 23, 2025 Supreme Court ruling mandating the House of Representatives to act in line wiith the Liberian constitution, the right move was made today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025 after the 73-member House staged an election for Speaker, with the resignation of the legitimate Speaker, Cllr. Fonati Koffa.
The two-horse race was between Montserrado County District #11 Representative, Richard Nagbe Koon and Nimba County District #7 Representative, Musa Hassan Bility shortly after the House resumed its first sitting following their Easter break. While electing a new Speaker, the House also lifted the suspension on more than a dozen Representatives who were in Koffa’s “minority bloc”.
Tuesday’s election was presided over by Deputy House Speaker, Lofa County Representative Thomas Fallah who was in Koon’s “majority bloc”.
Rep. Bility lost the votes by 26-43, but has taken his defeat in his stride, describing it as a victory for democracy.
Rep. Musa Bility concedes defeat
In a Facebook post after the election, Rep. Bility who was part of Koffa’s “minority bloc” referring to themselves as “rule of law caucus” said:
The House leadership feud has lasted for close to six months now and in its wake, the Joint Chambers of the Legislature at the Capitol Building was mysteriously gutted by fire, something that is estimated to cost the government close to US$2 million dollars to rehabilitate. Big Fire Engulfing The Seat Of Liberia’s Legislature Follows Tuesday’s Bloody Street Protest – News Public Trust
In the wake of the prolonged leadership feud at the lower House of Liberia’s Legislature, there were violent standoffs at various stages, something that led to injuries of few lawmakers and others. A large fire also mysteriously engulfed the Joint Chambers of the Capitol Building few months ago.
