By Joseph Tumbey
An internationally convicted criminal, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, a former Zebulon town manager (a town in North Carolina), USA is heading to secure the third highest seat of the land “Speaker of the 55th legislature”.
The battle for the position has intensified between Kofa and, Richard Nagbe Koon of district #11 Montserrado County who is a profound financial expert and also a staunch member of the incoming ruling Unity Party.
Unlike Kofa who has been convicted of stealing, disgraced and dragged to prison in the Great United States of America, Koon records remain unquestionable, clear and transparent in all his professional services/ duties.
Even though, Rule 44 of the Legislative Code of Conduct denies every corrupt person and convicted criminal from holding position in the House, Koffa seems to be recalcitrant.
On November 22, 2005, the Perspective media outlet which was following Koffa criminal case reported that Counselor Jonathan Fonati Koffa had pleaded guilty to “four federal charges related to the suspected embezzlement of $500,000”.
While he was sentenced for 10 years in prison, he was also fined US$250,000.
The former Zebulon town manager (a town in North Carolina) was charged with stealing government money and committing mail fraud, and two counts of wire fraud.
According to the paper, “Koffa, who was disbarred in April 2005, faced state charges of mishandling client money”.
This case arouses a lot of conversation among Liberians because Counselor Koffa is not an ordinary Liberian. Many call him “brilliant, dedicated, ambitious” and use other flattering adjectives to describe him. He was however, best known at the time as a colorful figure and close associate of Counselor Charles B. Brumskine the late.
Apparently, Fonati was in too much of a hurry to heed, which brings us to the Liberian parable: “Hurry, hurry bursts trousers”.
Comments are closed.