-Square pegs in round holes on Legislative Committees
An air of uneasiness seems to be brewing in the Liberian Legislature over claim of marginalization of opposition members of the House of Representatives presided over by Speaker Bohfal Chambers, who comes from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Grand Bassa County district #5 Representative Thomas A. Goshuah, III said opposition lawmakers are being marginalized by the leadership of the 54th Legislature in the country.
He was speaking on at a one day National Youth Legislative Policy Dialogue which was organized by NAYMOTE, the Partners for Democratic Development in Partnership with the young political leadership school in Monrovia.
There is so far no reaction yet from the leadership of the House.
Rep Goshuah, who is one of the opposition lawmakers, claimed that ‘’we (opposition lawmakers) are often rejected by the leadership who are in majority from the ruling party based on political interest.’’
Capitol Building, seat of the Liberian Legislature
‘’Most often during session we raise our hands up to provide information, import or suggestions but are often denied with the saying great man, great man wait small we will get to you and that is all,’’ Rep Goshuah explained to over twenty young people.
‘’Even the appointment of committee heads, we are misplace all based on party line and who will work in the best interest of the party and the leadership at the 54th national legislature,’’ the Grand Bassa County lawmaker noted.
According to Representative Goshuah, the leadership of the 54th Legislature appointed Chairpersons of committees that are not qualified to chair such committees, something he said was affecting the workings of the Legislature.
The members of the Legislature have three key functions: lawmaking, representation and oversight.
‘’The House of Representatives is like a society one individual cannot make decision without the majority approval but people always say we are the same not willing to pass law in the interest of the citizens,’’ he said .
‘’We have in the house what they call blacklist for mainly opposition lawmakers who will not disagree and or may go against policy that is in the interest of the leadership or the party with the motive of marginalizing you,” Rep Goshuah continued.
According to the Grand Bassa County representative, most of the Legislative decisions come what is commonly known as across the road meaning from the executives.
Representative Goshuah said the appointment or the misplacement of committee heads is affecting the country and mainly the functions of the 54th national legislature something that need the public intervention.
Speaking at the end of the youth dialogue, NAYMOTE’s Executive Director Eddie D. Jawolo said the dialogue which is the third edition is intended to keep young people engaged with their Representatives in fulfilling their campaign promises.
‘’We thought that after elections we need to keep young engage with those that were to share with us some of their achievement and challenges they go through at the legislature,’’ Mr. Jawolo explained.
The NAYMOTE boss called on all young people to be patient and hold their leaders accountable and law-abiding and be positive in their actions and decisions across Liberia.
The one-day National Youth Legislative Policy Dialogue was organized by NAYMOTE, Partners for Democratic Development in Partnership with the young political leadership school, And it brought together over twenty young people to understand the progress and challenges face by the 54TH national legislature.
NAYMOTE was established in 2001 by student’s leaders and activists and has been one of the leading national institutions promoting democracy, peace-building and civil engagement in Liberian.
It is a member of the World Movement for Democracy, the World Youth Movement for Democracy, the African Movement for Democracy and the National Civil Society council. Report by Alfred Kollie Email: alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com