By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Leadership is a sacred trust a commitment to serve the people with integrity, dedication, and accountability. When leaders ascend to power through the trust and support of the people—often pleading for votes, making promises, and assuring good governance—there exists a moral and ethical obligation to fulfill their duties. However, Fonati Koffa, who was reelected by the people of District #2, Grand Kru County, has abandoned his responsibilities while taking an extreme interest in boarding different flights from one country to another, leaving behind confused and betrayed constituents. There is no doubt that Koffa’s reelection was based upon his campaign promises to his constituents, ensuring them human resource capacity building, women empowerment, infrastructure; roads, health centers, schools, market buildings, youth centers, and town halls. Yet, these promises are challenged to be fulfilled due to his lack of interest, marked by his abandonment and neglectful action in participating in sessions at the National Legislature. Since January of this year, with the change of leadership structure at the House of Representatives, Rep. Koffa has deliberately stayed out of national duty, citing the new leadership as illegitimate. Therefore, he can’t sit under such a presiding order. But the hardest question remains: for how long will he stay off the job when those he claims to be illegitimate are working nationally with all branches of government? For how long will the office of District #2, Grand Kru, be marked absent from national discussions that would change the lives of his constituents? Why did he consider the interests of his constituents, to whom he assured campaign promises, over just his position as Speaker? Would it change any true identity if he resigned for the sake of patriotism? Or will it cause him more harm if even staffers of the constituent office attend sessions to take meeting notes while he, as a representative, works from home? These are a few of the hardest questions that remain unanswered. Liberia, as a country, experienced the worst situation in the postwar era, with the Capitol being gutted by flames—a situation many believed was a result of a power struggle at the House of Representatives.
Sadly, as Koffa continues to remain unconcerned and undisturbed, the constituents are grieving in silent pain, seeing their neighboring counties in the southeastern region rapidly developing in terms of infrastructure impact from the national budget as various lawmakers are championing and delivering upon the mandate of their people, as promised during the campaign period. Meanwhile, District #2, Grand Kru, is yet to boast of any legislative project since the reelection of Fonati Koffa—a situation they feel is unprecedented and must be condemned at the highest level.
The Rise to Power: A Plea for Public Trust
It is politically believed that leaders do not emerge in isolation; they rise on the shoulders of the people who entrust them with governance. Electoral campaigns are filled with passionate speeches, pledges to transform society, and promises of prosperity. Candidates often present themselves as servants of the people, emphasizing their commitment to public welfare, national development, and good governance. During this phase, they plead for votes, convincing citizens that they are the best choice for leadership.
However, power is not merely about winning an election; it carries an enormous responsibility. The people entrust leaders with their future, economy, security, and overall well-being. Leadership, therefore, demands selflessness, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges with wisdom and determination. This, which demonstrates genuinely accountable leadership to those who entrusted you with power, places Rep. Koffa far apart or in an unarguable contrary position based on his recent months of deliberate absence, which his constituents feel is unjustified.
Koffa’s Ultimate Betrayal of Abandoning His People’s Responsibility
Fonati Koffa appears remorseless, as others believe that his passionate desire to board different flights just for personal comfort in different countries around the world on an unofficial duty is not a resolution in restoring what he claims was wrongfully taken away from him. Instead, it shows his unpatriotic disregard for the country and humanity, particularly for his constituents. On the other hand, flying in and out of Liberia without lobbying for your people is a clear sign of betrayal. It signals that Koffa’s personal safety and luxury have taken precedence over the people of Grand Kru and national duty. Such actions leave the district in disarray—the district becomes paralyzed, and the people of Buah, Forpoh, Dorbor, Kplio, Joar, and Jloh feel abandoned and neglected as uncertainty grips their minds.
Other constituents argue that there’s nothing wrong with Koffa resigning, as he is not going to be the first nor the last, referencing the case of Edwin Snow, who then resigned for the sake of his constituents, and the case of Alex Tyler, who also resigned in the best interest of his constituents. “What’s going to be exceptionally different about Koffa’s case?” constituents expressed.
Besides, these kinds of betrayals are often marked by replacement and impeachment. Leaders who once passionately sought the people’s mandate have, in times of leadership struggle, chosen abandonment over constituents’ responsibility, which is a total setback for the districts and people, making the citizens regret their decision made during the voting exercise. This abandonment creates political instability, social unrest, and economic crises, further deepening the suffering of the people they once promised to serve.
The Consequences of Koffa’s Neglectful Actions
The consequences of Koffa’s actions in flying on different private and commercial jets from one country to another are not just an abuse of power but a show of gross disrespect for the people, and the pains are severe:
The district’s political landscape has turned into a place of instability, leaving minds without a clear leadership structure and governance since the reelection of Rep. Koffa in 2023, District #2, Grand Kru County. It is hindering and confusing the minds of his constituents, leading to internal struggles for his power and calls for his replacement among youth members and the general public. Some are even suggesting his immediate removal so that their district can be ably represented at the National Legislature.
Loss of public trust – It is unarguable that Koffa’s neglectful actions have influenced his people in the district to lose faith in his leadership ability, making it difficult for future leaders of his caliber or associates of his tendency to gain credibility in future elections.
The worst of all is the economic decline resulting from the abandonment of his job, which could likely influence investors and business owners to lose confidence in investing in his district, leading to economic downturns and creating hard living conditions for the people he once assured of good living conditions.
Grand Kru County, once known for its bookish minds and including all legislative predecessors both at the district and county level, is now widely discussed by citizens and foreigners about the recent political decisions taken by one of its lawmakers, Rep. Koffa. Some questions include, “Can Koffa’s actions be considered political smartness, or could he possibly be selfish and greedy for power, or does his decision to abandon his position demonstrate his eloquent brilliance?” Other constituents are deeply worried about the country’s image globally, describing Koffa’s actions as an embarrassment to the international community. “Moreover, Grand Kru County lawmakers have not been known for this; seeing Koffa representing our Grand Kru and portraying himself in such a manner has shone a diverse light on the county for reasons that tarnish its image globally. The country becomes a subject of global ridicule, damaging its reputation on the international stage. What would the late Gbenimah Bula Slopdoe Sr., who became the first elected lawmaker in District #2, say about Koffa’s actions?” Koffa’s constituents further expressed.
Now that the constituents are voicing their dissatisfaction, hoping that their lawmaker, who is their employee, will hear them fast and act swiftly in this regard, others have threatened civil unrest. “As we are being neglected and feeling betrayed, we may resort to protests, riots, or even revolutions if Rep. Koffa doesn’t act accordingly,” constituents warned.
A Call for Responsible Leadership
True leadership is not about enjoying privileges but about facing challenges with courage. Leaders must understand that power is a responsibility, not a personal possession. Those who seek public office should be prepared to serve with integrity, even in the face of adversity.
A leader who truly cares about their people will remain steadfast, seek solutions, and ensure stability, rather than abandoning the people’s work and fleeing in and out of the country while they go to bed hungry. A nation deserves leaders who are committed, accountable, and willing to make sacrifices for the collective good.
Abandoning the people who once placed their trust in a leader is a betrayal of the highest order. It erodes confidence in governance, destabilizes nations, and plunges citizens into uncertainty. True leadership is measured not by how a leader rises to power but by how they handle adversity and remain committed to the people they vowed to serve. A leader who flees in times of crisis does not just abandon a position—they abandon the very essence of leadership itself.
Hence, constituents are urging Rep. Koffa to refrain from abandoning their responsibility, for it was on their trust that he was elected and owes them a lot. At the same time, they are calling on other constituent members to desist from defending Koffa’s neglectful actions toward the district out of partisanship but instead to join them in demanding full representation for the district during plenaries.
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