On October 21, 2024, Representative Rugie Yatu Barry of Montserrado County Electoral District #1 announced her decision to rescind her support for a coup plot aimed at unseating Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. This announcement followed a tumultuous event at the Capitol Building, where a faction of lawmakers, numbering 48, had come together to push for Koffa’s removal. Barry was initially one of the signatories on the resolution that aimed to effectuate this change. However, just hours after the resolution was circulated, allegations emerged claiming that signatory lawmakers were coerced into the move with the promise of financial incentives. An initial sum of $15,000, reportedly linked to a broader scheme involving $25,000 payouts, was mentioned, leading to public outcry and significant scrutiny over the legitimacy of the actions being taken by these lawmakers.
As the situation developed, Barry’s retraction and subsequent clarifications reflected her desire to distance herself from the alleged corruption tied to the coup attempt. She held a news conference in her district where she affirmed her original signing, but stressed that her motives were rooted in improving legislative procedures and policies rather than financial gain. Barry highlighted concerns regarding existing procedural issues within the House, including budgetary appropriations related to district development funds and amendments to internal rules. By distancing her intentions from the scandal, she also underscored her commitment to integrity, stating emphatically that she had not accepted any money in relation to the resolution.
At the heart of this political drama lies a rapidly growing tension among lawmakers, with Barry portraying the expected decency of their roles being tarnished by the allegations of bribery. Reflecting on the chaotic scenes at the Capitol, she expressed dismay that such behavior was unfolding in a place that should embody honor and public service. After news of the alleged financial incentives began to spread, Barry and three other representatives withdrew their support from the plot to remove the Speaker. In doing so, Barry invoked the Biblical figure Judas Iscariot, likening the betrayal and moral failure associated with the coup attempt to that of Judas’ betrayal of Christ, emphasizing the gravity of their actions and the ensuing regret.
Barry took to the podium once more to communicate her firm stance on the need for civility among lawmakers during these turbulent times. She encouraged her fellow representatives to engage in constructive dialogue rather than succumbing to hostilities and political maneuvering that serves to exacerbate divisions. Emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability, she called for an investigation into the allegations of bribery by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). Such an examination could help restore some degree of faith in the governing bodies and clarify the extent of the alleged misconduct.
Her plea for calm amid chaos illustrates the complex political landscape in Liberia, particularly within the 55th Legislature. Barry stressed that despite her emerging from the turmoil, she remains committed to legislative reform and is appalled by the thought of any member of the House engaging in corrupt practices. As a representative elected to serve the interests of her constituents, Barry vows to uphold her integrity, indicating that she would not allow her character to be compromised or painted by association with wrongdoing, drawing a clear line in the sand against the unethical behavior purportedly permeating the legislature.
In conclusion, Representative Rugie Yatu Barry stands as a representative figure of principled resistance amidst political turbulence in Liberia. In light of her decisions to withdraw from a coup plot that seemed steeped in financial corruption, Barry emphasizes the values of integrity, ethical governance, and the necessity of reforms intended to create a more effective and accountable legislative process. Her position serves both as a critique of the current political machinations and a clarion call for her colleagues to reflect on their responsibilities as public servants committed to the welfare of the nation, urging them to engage in conversations aimed at fostering unity and purpose in legislative work.
