As both sides of the conflict at the House of Representatives enter the third week without legitimate sittings to execute the function for which they were elected by the Liberian people, observers are saying that the lawmakers have shown no regard to the constituents who elected them to represent them at the National Legislature, as no lawmaker has held any meeting with their district leadership to solicit a motion for progress.
Amidst the heightened conflict at the House of Representatives regarding the ousting of Speaker Fonati Koffa, many lawmakers (both sides) are claiming that their stance is in the interest of transparency and protecting the sanctity of the first branch of government, but without the lest thought of consulting the electorate. This the observers described as selfish, ungenuine and a high level of unconsciousness.
Many believe that the fight up Capitol Hill is self-centered and does not have anything to do with the interest of the Liberian people.
As the matter continues to escalate, the fight seems to be far from over, as the Speaker has refused to resign and the “majority bloc” consistent to sustain the fight until the Speaker is removed.
In what some consider a twist in the legislative fight, the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Fallah, has recognized the “Acting Chief Clerk” of the “Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives” and swiftly responded to his communications sent on separate dates requesting his presence in their session.
Deputy Speaker Fallah, responding to the “Acting Chief Clerk’s” communications, said, “I write to acknowledge receipt of two communications dated October 22, 2024 and October 24, 2024, respectively, which emanated from you by directive of a good number of my colleagues who are organized under the canopy ‘majority members of the House of Representatives’, and currently convening in the Joint Chamber of the Legislature. In the aforementioned letter, my distinguished colleagues have invoked appropriate provisions of the Rules and Procedures of the House of Representatives, as well as the Liberian Constitution to compel me to appear in the Joint Chamber on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. This is happening in the wake of a resolution signed by all “majority members” to remove Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“In view of the aforesaid, and considering that these proceedings squarely and seriously border on our Rules and Procedures, and the sacred Liberian Constitution; I write to crave the indulgence of my colleagues in the Joint Chamber to excuse my absence today in order to allow me some time to consult with my legal team regarding the matter at hand to enable me make an informed decision that will not contravene the Liberian Constitution and other relevant statues.”
Observers believe it will be a blow to the Fonati Koffa bloc if lawyers of Deputy Speaker Fallah advise him to attend the session of the “majority bloc”. They say it could serve as a conduit for other lawmakers to join the “majority bloc” and easily reach the number to 49, thereby giving them the power to unseat Speaker Koffa and legitimize their sittings and decisions.
On the other hand, Deputy Speaker Fallah’s communication is being interpreted as scorning the “majority bloc”, and leaving them without reason to temper with his position, even if they are successful in ousting Speaker Koffa.
According to an observer, Deputy Speaker Fallah’s letter is only intended to buy time in order for the Koffa bloc to have ample time to do the right thing.