IPNEWS: There is more fallout imminent within the main opposition CDC if care is not taken, especially the growing the division within the Liberian House of Representatives over the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) led by former President George Weah has expelled Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah from the party for his involvement in what the CDC calls the “illegal” removal of Speaker Koffa, which comes after President Joseph Boaka’s government this week recognized the majority bloc and their new speaker, Richard Koon.
Late Wednesday, December 11, CDC National Chairman Janga Kowo the CDC reaffirms its recognition of Koffa as the legitimate Speaker of the 55th Legislature, and surprisingly expelled Deputy Speaker Thomas P. Fallah with immediate effect, citing disciplinary breaches and a need to maintain unity and constitutional order within its ranks.
Kowo states that Fallah’s expulsion was based on recommendations from the party’s National Disciplinary Committee, which issued a seven-day ultimatum to suspended CDC lawmakers, warning them to return to the party or face expulsion also.
In all this, the CDC has reiterated its recognition of Fonati Koffa as the constitutional Speaker of the 55th Legislature, dismissing the election of Richard Koon by the Unity Party-aligned Majority Bloc as unconstitutional. The party urged Speaker Koffa not to resign, describing any such move as a blow to constitutional integrity. According to the former ruling party, its position aligns with the Supreme Court’s December 6, 2024 ruling.
The party also took aim at discussions surrounding the National Budget by the Majority Bloc, accusing them of attempting to plunder the nation’s resources. The CDC warned President Joseph Boakai against signing what it termed “treasonous” budget legislation, threatening to hold him and his allies accountable for undermining national stability and economic order.
Amid growing tensions, the CDC called for calm and respect for constitutional rights, stating its support for peaceful protests and demonstrations. The party urged the government to guarantee the safety of all citizens who choose to assemble peacefully, framing itself as a defender of democratic freedoms while decrying actions it sees as threats to Liberia’s unity.
Now in a bold challenged to the CDC Executive Committee’s action, expelled partisan Thomas Fallah issued a midnight statement h9urs after news of his expulsion, that as Vice Chairman for Operations and founding member of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), welcomes his expulsion from the party and reaffirms his unwavering commitment to the values and principles that initially inspired him to help establish the CDC.
Deputy Speaker Fallah, expressed no surprise at his arbitrary, baseless, and unilateral expulsion, pointing out the expulsion’s inherent flaws.
Fallah stated that his expulsion was part of similarly bogus and lawless suspension’, which blatantly contravenes the Constitution of the CDC, particularly Part II Bye-Laws, Chapter 1: Codes of Conduct under Temporary Suspension, Rule 18-19, which states:
“The leadership of any structure or authority of the CDC, considering the nature and seriousness of an alleged violation or offense by a member, may summarily suspend the membership of a member pending the preparation of a charge against the member and the finalization of disciplinary proceedings…”
The Expelled CDC Vice Chair for Operations, maintains that there was no due process followed, nor was any hearing or formal investigation conducted, even in its simplest form—a stark contradiction by those who profess to uphold law and order.
The ‘rebel Lawmaker’ Deputy Speaker furthermore noted that what is more alarming about is expulsion is the blatant disregard for the rule of law by a select few who, in their rush to oust one of the party’s most loyal leaders without just cause, have willfully violated the principles enshrined in Part II Bye-Laws, Chapter I: Codes of Conduct, Rule 6 of the CDC Constitution, which clearly states:
“Any person faced with disciplinary proceedings shall receive due written notice of any hearing and of the basic allegations and charges against him/her and be afforded reasonable opportunity to make his/her defense.”
He maintains that his latest expulsion, like the prior suspension—steeped in malice and executed unilaterally without an executive committee quorum nor due process—is a flagrant abuse of power. It embodies lawlessness and mocks the very essence of due process, perpetrated by individuals clinging to hollow claims of upholding law and order, however, are blatantly and deliberately violating his rights, rendering his expulsion as ‘arbitrary’ which are both unconstitutional and indefensible in any court of competent jurisdiction.
In my response to baseless allegations following a recent Capitol Hill controversy, where I was falsely accused of diverging from the party’s agenda, I hereby dismissed these claims as frivolous.
“CDC members are well aware of the true culprits and architects of lies and deceit, emphasizing his legacy as a pioneering trench warrior, having dedicated nearly two decades of his life to advancing the CDC and its doctrine of grassroots democracy.”
“Both my past and present, has always been driven by a commitment to the best interests of the people and the CDC. My recent actions, likewise, were intended to address a critical national issue that has often been misconstrued within a narrow political framework. However, the truth will soon emerge, proving that my decisions were made for the greater good of the CDC and the Liberian people,”
“While others may choose to navigate the political landscape with duplicity, I have chosen the path of transparency and principle,” the Deputy Speaker affirmed. “My commitment to the CDC’s core values and its mission to bring lasting change to Liberia remains steadfast. Regardless of personal disagreements or political maneuvering, my loyalty to this party has been unshakable.” Thomas Fallah, expelled CDC Vice Chair stated.
