Liberia: Majority Bloc Suspends 4 Extra Lawmakers for ‘Misconduct’
Members of the Majority Bloc, assembly within the Joint Chamber of the Legislature, have suspended 4 extra lawmakers for 30 session days, citing “misconduct.”
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh @frontpageafricaonline.com
The suspended representatives embrace Frank Saah Foko (District #9, Montserrado County), Eugene Kollie (District #3, Montserrado County), Zinnah Normah (District #3, Lofa County), and Alex Noah (District #3, Gbarpolu County).
The resolution, introduced throughout Thursday’s session, follows the lifting of an earlier maintain on their suspension by the House Plenary. The Majority Bloc acknowledged that the lawmakers’ actions have been deemed “unbecoming of their status as Representatives.”
Forfeiture of Salaries and Warnings of Expulsion
During the suspension interval, the affected lawmakers will forfeit their salaries and advantages for December, January, and February. Additionally, the House warned that their March salaries and advantages may very well be redirected to authorities coffers if deemed vital.
The Majority Bloc additionally hinted at additional disciplinary motion. Presiding officer Richard Nagbe Koon prompt that beforehand suspended lawmakers might face expulsion in January for violating the bloc’s mandate to steer clear of the Capitol Building.
However, Rep. Samuel Kogar, Chair of the Judicial Committee, warned towards such a transfer, citing the precept of double jeopardy. He argued that the lawmakers are already serving their suspensions and can’t face additional punishment for a similar offenses. Koon countered, claiming the mandate to remain away was a part of the unique movement and shouldn’t be violated.
Brewing Political Tensions
This newest suspension follows the same motion towards Representatives Marvin Cole (Bong County District #3), Abu Kamara (Montserrado County District #15), and Edward Papay Flomo (Montserrado County District #13). With Thursday’s resolution, a complete of seven lawmakers at the moment are formally suspended.
The Majority Bloc, a bunch opposing Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s management, has been holding periods within the Joint Chamber since October, successfully difficult the Speaker’s authority.
In their session, they’ve made a number of selections that altered the House management and plunged into the House into an acrimonious dispute.
The pro-Koffa group criticized the Majority Bloc’s actions as unconstitutional and warned the continued suspensions undermine the House’s credibility.
Reactions and Questions of Fairness
The lawmakers have been accused of violating the House guidelines, primarily obstructing lawmakers from attending session. The suspensions have drawn blended reactions. Critics have raised issues concerning the equity and transparency of the method, terming the Majority Bloc’s actions as politically motivated.
The suspension of seven lawmakers provides to the heightened tensions and ongoing scrutiny of the House’s management, deepening the political divide throughout the Legislature.
