Liberia: Lawmakers Announce Formation of Rule of Law Caucus Amid Leadership Crisis, Elect Bility As Chairman
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – The management disaster on the House of Representatives continues to deepen with the formation of a brand new bloc, the Rule of Law Caucus, composed of members backing the embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Over the weekend, the caucus unanimously elected Representative Musa Hassan Bility (District #7, Montserrado County) as its chairman.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Announcing his election on his Facebook web page, Rep. Bility expressed gratitude for the unanimous vote of confidence from the 28-member bloc, which was reportedly fashioned on the advice of Speaker Koffa.
“This decision, taken by my colleagues who chose to stand by the law, is a profound moment for me, my family, and my district. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues for trusting me to lead during this crucial time in our nation’s history,” he mentioned.
In his remarks, Bility acknowledged the numerous challenges going through the House management and pledged to revive order and effectiveness to the legislative physique.
“The challenges before us as leaders of this country are immense, and the leadership of the House of Representatives is facing significant trials. I am fully aware of the burden placed on me by this responsibility, and I embrace it with commitment and resolve. My focus will be to restore normalcy to the House and ensure that every representative can carry out their constitutional duty to represent their people effectively,” he acknowledged.
Bility additional dedicated to upholding the rule of legislation and fostering a spirit of cooperation amongst his colleagues, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize the Liberian folks’s wants over particular person pursuits. “I pledge to lead faithfully, to listen to my colleagues, and to work toward our collective goals and aspirations,” he added.
Leadership Crisis Deepens
The formation of the Rule of Law Caucus comes within the wake of a contentious management dispute throughout the House. The Majority Bloc just lately declared Speaker Koffa’s place vacant and elected Representative Richard Koon as their Speaker. This transfer has exacerbated divisions, with the Majority Bloc asserting legitimacy and conducting legislative affairs, whereas the Pro-Koffa group accuses them of unconstitutional actions and energy usurpation.
Acknowledging the division, Rep. Bility prolonged an olive department to his colleagues on the opposing aspect. “To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I urge all members to reflect soberly on our current impasse and its impact on the people we represent,” he mentioned.
Bility highlighted the lack of each blocs to both safe a quorum or legally operate, which has stalled legislative classes and undermined efficient governance. “This inability has stalled legislative sessions, preventing both oversight and effective governance. This should serve as a reminder that our division is our weakness. Let us turn this realization into strength by uniting to find common ground for the sake of our country,” he added.
Call for Unity and Oversight
Rep. Bility urged lawmakers to prioritize the larger image—the well-being of the Liberian folks—over private features and energy struggles. He famous that the legislative deadlock has allowed the chief department to function unchecked for 3 months, leaving residents weak. “Our primary oversight responsibility has been the most significant casualty during this crisis. It is time to return to work, resolve our differences, and restore the integrity of this honorable body,” he confused.
Addressing President Joseph Boakai, Bility known as for honest engagement with the legislature to resolve the disaster. “A crisis in one branch of government weakens the entire system. The people of Liberia deserve a government that works in harmony to address their needs and move the country forward,” he mentioned.
A Commitment to Resolve the Impasse
Rep. Bility concluded by pledging to work tirelessly to finish the stalemate, however known as for collective efforts from all lawmakers. “My colleagues have entrusted me with the task of ending this impasse. I pledge to work tirelessly to find a solution without compromising the rule of law. But I cannot do it alone. I ask for your cooperation, patriotism, and love for our country. Let us restore democracy, normalcy, and the people’s confidence in their government,” he acknowledged.
The formation of the Rule of Law Caucus provides one other layer to the continuing management disaster, signaling a chronic interval of uncertainty for the House of Representatives and, by extension, the governance of Liberia.
Majority Bloc Maintains Legitimacy
The ongoing disaster coincides with President Joseph Boakai’s anticipated State of the Nation Address later this month. Concerns are mounting that the legislative deadlock could overshadow the President’s tackle, probably hindering the federal government’s capability to successfully talk its agenda and priorities to the nation.
Despite the formation of the Rule of Law Caucus, the Majority Bloc, emboldened by help from the Liberian Senate and the Executive, continues to steer the affairs of the House of Representatives.
In an announcement issued on Sunday, the Majority Bloc introduced that the fifty fifth Legislature would formally shut its session on Monday, January 6, following a three-week extension granted to facilitate the completion of key legislative issues. Initially, the Legislature was scheduled to adjourn on Friday, December 13, 2024.
As a part of the closing actions, the assertion revealed that Majority Bloc’s Speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon, is anticipated to current a complete statistical report. The report will define the variety of payments handed, these submitted for consideration, and people nonetheless underneath assessment in committee rooms.
The assertion additional famous that the Legislature is anticipated to renew on Monday, January 13, 2025, in accordance with Chapter 5, Article 32(a) of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia. This provision mandates the Legislature to assemble in common session yearly on the second working Monday in January.
