Liberia: US$880M Budget Handed Amid Management Disaster in Liberia
Monrovia—In the face of an ongoing management disaster on the fifty fifth National Legislature, members of the Liberian Senate have unanimously concurred with their counterparts from the “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives to go the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, amounting to US$880.07 million.
By: Obediah Johnson
The choice was made late on Friday, December 20, following a movement introduced ahead by Grand Kru County Senator Numene Bartekwa. Earlier on, the Majority Bloc within the House of Representatives had handed the finances at Monrovia City Hall.
Of the 30 Senators current, 19 voted in favor of the finances.
According to the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget, over US$878 million had been earmarked within the draft finances. This included US$1.8 million for renovations of the Joint Chamber on the Capitol Building, which was severely broken by a hearth on December 18. The explanation for the fireplace stays underneath investigation, with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai ordering a direct inquiry into the incident.
A discrepancy of barely over US$2 million exists between the handed finances and a preliminary draft submitted by Senator Prince Moye. This prompted the formation of a convention committee to reconcile figures from each legislative our bodies earlier than arriving on the ultimate finances.
Senator Moye acknowledged that the finances had undergone thorough debate and modification, with a further US$28 million added within the ultimate model. The committee emphasised that reallocations in public administration and municipal allocations can be restricted to US$6 million to keep away from previous controversies regarding finances alterations with out legislative approval.
This finances passage adopted a tumultuous interval marked by allegations towards embattled House Speaker Fonati Koffa, who has been accused of battle of curiosity, corruption, and nepotism. Despite these allegations, Koffa has denied any wrongdoing.
The Majority Bloc elected Representative Richard Koon as their new Speaker, and the chief department, recognizing this management change, submitted the draft finances to Koon’s bloc for approval.
Initially, the Senate had refused to collaborate with the House on the finances, citing the management disaster. However, after a controversial interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling by Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, the Senate acknowledged Koon’s management for legislative enterprise.
The well timed disbursement and administration of the finances stay a key concern amongst Senators, significantly for Dabah Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County.
As the political panorama continues to evolve, observers are keenly watching to see if President Boakai will signal the finances into legislation amidst the continuing management points within the House of Representatives. Additionally, a possible lawsuit from Koffa and his supporters difficult the finances’s passage can’t be dismissed, additional heightening the stakes on this political disaster.
