Takes The Executive Branch To Task For Meddling In Legislative Matters
- Peter S. Dennis, dennisrealone@gmail.com
Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has described the Executive Branch’s “influences” in the protracted impasse at the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill as Sluggish.
Sen. Konneh’s assertion comes a day after Liberia’s Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh presented his opinion to the President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and the public.
The Liberian Attonery General advised the President to work with the Majority bloc “because they have the constitutional backing”.
Minutes later, 28 members voted to work with the “Majority Bloc” at the House of Representatives who have since voiced their dissatisfaction in the leadership of House Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa. They accused Speaker Koffa of corruption, nepotism, and conflict of interest—allegations that Speaker Koffa has vehemently denied.
The Senate’s decision was announced by Senate Prom-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence in what she called “to uphold the opinion of Justice Minister Oswald Tweh regarding the constitutional authority of the majority bloc”.
Amid of these, the Executive Branch has reportedly ordered the recall of all security details, including police escorts and convoy vehicles, previously assigned to Speaker Koffa. These assets have now been transferred to Speaker Koon, further solidifying the government’s support for the majority bloc.
Rep. Richard Koon, a Unity Party lawmaker, earlier contested for the speakership election earlier this year.
But reacting to debate in the public about the leadership crisis at the House of Representatives, Senator Amara Konneh described the executive branch role as sluggish pace on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
The Gbarpolu Senator stated that it’s further described the current circumstances within the legislature as a factor driven by personal interests.
“I came to the Legislature this year fueled by a commitment to work with my colleagues to uplift families across the country, particularly in Gbarpolu County. Yet, after 11 months, we find ourselves caught in a struggle over the Speaker’s position and control of the national budget, hindering our legislative progress from the very start. It is disheartening that we cannot embark on our crucial work in this new government due to dysfunction within the Legislature driven by personal interests and the sluggish pace of the Executive Branch” he pointed out.
“With the Attorney General’s opinion on the Supreme Court’s judgment, we now have clarity on the Executive Branch’s position regarding the impasse in the House of Representatives (HOR). This situation answers a crucial question we posed a few days ago: “Where is our President?” As for the Senate’s recognition of the “Majority Bloc,” I had hoped that Pro Temp Kanga-Lawrence would handle the matter as she did with the Resolution to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC). In that instance, she asked the Senate Judiciary Committee to consult with independent lawyers and then advise the Senate. That process enabled us to stand by our support for the HOR’s version of the WECC’s Resolution and the President’s desire for a WECC, showcasing our commitment to due diligence in our legislative processes and in observing the separation of powers doctrine in our Constitution” the Gbarpolu County senator expressed.
Senator Amara Konneh further advised Speaker J. Fonati Koffa to step aside “for the betterment of our beloved country will be a profound act of leadership”.
“To my brother, Speaker Koffa, stepping aside for the betterment of our beloved country will be a profound act of leadership. As Nelson Mandela said, “Walking away is leadership, too.” You have served as a commendable, centrist opposition Speaker. Yet, the Liberian people deserve a Speaker who can unite his colleagues behind a legislative agenda that elevates their needs above divisiveness and personal interest. I will steadfastly champion this principle”.
But Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa has maintained that he won’t resign calling on his colleagues to appear in the Chambers with their petition on the floor as required by law.
“Now, we must unite and rally behind the president’s development agenda to propel our nation forward by passing a credible budget that gives him spending authority; this is not about winning or losing. We are leaders of the 8th poorest country in the world, and all three branches of government must operate cohesively to foster shared prosperity for our people. Let’s get back to work!” he concluded.
The leadership crisis escalated in October 2024 when over 40 members of the House of Representatives, identifying as the majority bloc, began holding separate sessions in the Joint Chambers. They accused Speaker Koffa of corruption, nepotism, and conflict of interest—allegations Koffa has vehemently denied.
On November 21, 2024, the majority bloc conducted an election, selecting Richard Nagbe Koon as the new Speaker. The election, conducted via a white ballot, has since been a focal point of contention in Liberian politics.
Many Liberians remain uncertain over the next actions of Speaker Koffa given these entire legislative impasses that keep painting a negative picture of Liberia to the International Community.