Capitol Hill, Monrovia – The Liberia Independent Elder Council for Peace and Reconciliation formally demand the resignation and immediate investigation of Speaker of the 55th House of Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon on Friday due to what it called a “torrent of disturbing allegations” that jeopardize the state’s moral authority, causing further unrest in the country’s National Legislature.
The nonpartisan group of elders, led by Elder Samuel O. Phillips, stated in a strongly worded press release dated December 27, 2025, that the scope and seriousness of the accusations against the Speaker have progressed beyond private disagreements into a full-fledged national scandal that could undermine public confidence in one of Liberia’s highest constitutional offices.
The Council cited a number of accusations that were making the rounds in public and on social media, such as allegations of bigamy and marital fraud connected to purported U.S. immigration benefits; unanswered questions regarding the Speaker’s citizenship and eligibility for office; allegations of neglect of parental responsibilities involving an eleven-year-old child; and what the elders described as a troubling pattern of ethical lapses in his political conduct.
The elders pointed out that statements made by a lady name Mrs. Cecelia Kpor Koon, who claims to be Speaker Koon’s wife and has publicly called for his resignation, are very concerning. The narrative has been further complicated by assertions from Nigeria that the Speaker is not Liberian by birth, as well as conflicting public statements about familial relationships that, according to the Council, raise “deeply confusing and concerning” questions about his identity and legal standing.
The elders also cited Speaker Koon’s recent public acknowledgement that the expulsion of his predecessor, former Speaker Fonati Koffa, was motivated more by political retaliation than by morality, claiming that this revelation further damages the House of Representatives’ reputation.
The Council rejected Speaker Koon’s response as insufficient, despite the fact that he has invited accusers to pursue legal action and has insisted that his leadership is based on honesty and discipline.
The group contended that accusations pertaining to citizenship, fraud, and power abuse cannot be dismissed as personal issues since they directly undermine the legitimacy of the Legislature.
The statement cautioned that “this cloud of suspicion does not merely tarnish one individual. At a time when national unity and trust are paramount, it undermines public confidence and paralyzes the moral authority of the entire Legislature.”
The elders emphasized that issues of eligibility and integrity must be handled quickly, openly, and without political influence, drawing comparisons to the precedent-setting Ndubusi Nwabudike case, in which unresolved citizenship issues resulted in the rejection of a high public position.
In order to allow for an impartial investigation, the Council thus ordered that Speaker Koon immediately resign from both his position as Speaker and as Representative of District #11. Additionally, it urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the National Legislature’s leadership, and pertinent state institutions to begin a thorough investigation into all accusations, including those of bigamy, immigration fraud, perjury, and unethical behavior.
As the public debate intensified, the elders appealed to the nation’s conscience, warning that inactivity may result in instability, cynicism, and a broader loss of trust in the government. “Truth, accountability, and justice are the cornerstones of our country’s peace and reconciliation,” the statement said. “Liberia cannot let these accusations languish unchecked.”
Reported by: Prince Saah
