COMPROMISED?” – REP. FOKO ACCUSES SPEAKER KOON OF UNDERMINING RIA $19M DRUG PROBE AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION MOVE
BY: Nathaniel E. Davis
MONROVIA, Montserrado County, – Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank Saah Foko has accused House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon of being “compromised” in connection with the ongoing investigation into the US$19 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The allegation erupted Tuesday when Rep. Foko stormed out of the House chamber, visibly frustrated by Speaker Koon’s decision to move a scheduled briefing with Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) officials into executive session.
The LDEA had appeared before the House to provide updates on the record narcotics bust.
But Koon insisted deliberations be held behind closed doors, a move Foko said violated the legislature’s oversight mandate.
Speaking to journalists after walking out, Foko said the Speaker’s insistence on secrecy undermined transparency and accountability.
He argued the decision suggested possible compromise and questioned why a matter of significant public interest should be shielded from scrutiny.
“The House has an oversight responsibility, and it must be exercised openly,” Foko declared. “This drug seizure is too critical to be handled behind closed doors.”
The US$19 million cocaine haul remains under investigation by the National Joint Security, with LDEA, LNP, and international partners leading the probe.
The controversy has now expanded beyond the criminal investigation, raising fresh questions about legislative transparency and the Speaker’s role in ensuring accountability.