In a bold and emotionally charged address delivered during a community visit to the township of West Point, House Speaker Richard Koon broke his silence over the contentious circumstances surrounding his election, offering an apology to the Liberian people and seeking to justify the actions that led to his rise as Speaker of the House.
“Let me apologize for the tension we created that caused embarrassment for the government and you, the Liberian people,” Speaker Koon declared, acknowledging public frustration and the political unrest that followed his controversial election earlier this year.
Koon, who has faced criticism and mockery, with some labeling him the “Chinese Speaker” or the “illegitimate Speaker”, used the platform to clear the air, emphasizing that his leadership was crucial to maintaining alignment with President Joseph Boakai’s development priorities.
“We wanted to follow the tradition that was set during the time of former Speaker Bhofal Chambers, who also came from the ruling establishment,” Koon explained. “Having a Speaker from the opposition could have affected the success of the government’s development agenda.”
His remarks appear to confirm longstanding speculation that the ruling Unity Party exerted significant influence to ensure the Speakership remained within its political orbit, despite earlier pledges of inclusivity and cooperation across party lines.
“A Speaker from the ruling establishment will ensure the success of the government’s agenda,” he reiterated, suggesting that legislative cohesion was prioritized over political diversity in the House of Representatives.
The January leadership shakeup, described by critics as a political maneuver engineered behind closed doors, was met with protest from opposition lawmakers and sparked debates about transparency, democratic norms, and parliamentary independence.
However, Speaker Koon insisted his authority was now fully legitimate and constitutionally secured. “I was aware many of you referred to me as the ‘Chinese Speaker’ or the ‘illegitimate Speaker,’ but today, I am proud to stand before you as the duly elected and legitimate Speaker of the House,” he stated, drawing applause from supporters gathered in the densely populated coastal community.
The West Point visit marked one of Speaker Koon’s most public and personal engagements since taking office and is being interpreted as a strategic effort to reconnect with ordinary citizens and reshape his public image.
As Liberia’s political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Koon’s statement, and the government’s continued dominance in the Legislature, will remain central to national discourse in the coming months.
Source: OK FM
