The Speaker of the 54thLegislature, Dr. Bhofal Chambers, has clarified amidst rumors that members of the Legislature were recalled by the President, George M. Weah, for the two-month special Session.
Speaker Chambers told reporters on Monday, October 18, 2021 on Capitol Hill that the National Legislature recalled itself in line with the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law, and not the President, as speculated in the public. The reconvening of the Legislature is intended to receive the 2022 National Budget and act on it before 2022. Due to the change in the fiscal year calendar, the National Budget of Liberia will now run from January to December of every year, instead of June to July.
The Certificate to Reconvene, according to Dr. Chambers, was signed by over 20 representatives, which is more than 1/4th of the total membership of the Honorable House of Representatives. The reconvening of the Legislature is done in accordance with Article 32(b) of the 1986 Constitutions, Speaker Chambers said.
According to him, several legislative instruments, including the National Budget, will be discussed during the special Session. In the spirit of coordination, Dr. Chambers emphasized that members of the 54th Legislature are fully prepared in enhancing good governance. The Maryland County Pleebo Sodakan representative has assured the two branches of government of coordination and collaboration in the spirit of good governance.
Responding to a question if the Legislature has received the recent amendment agreement to ArcelorMittal Agreement, the Speaker revealed that up to press time his office has not received the copy of the amendment of the ArcelorMittal’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). He emphasized that the Legislature will act on the document when it is brought before the body.
The 54th Speaker of the Legislature also alarmed over Liberia’s contribution to the carbon market globally, which he claimed is not recognized as a country. According to him, Liberia’s contribution to the carbon market globally should not be overlooked by anyone because it forms part of the globe. He maintained that the carbon market is generating US$261 billion globally and, therefore, Liberia should enjoy her share of said amount.
The Certificate to Reconvene states, “We, the below listed members of the House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature, having acknowledged that due to the Amendment and Restatement of the Public Financial Management (PMC) Act, approved October 30, 2019, changing the fiscal year from July to June of the same year, which gives the Executive Branch two (2) months to submit the National Budget to the Legislature prior to its enactment, do hereby affix our signatures in pursuant to Article 32(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, to reconvene in a Special Session of the 54th Legislature commencing October 18, 2021 and ending December 18, 2021 to deliberate on the National Budget and associated instruments as a matter of national emergency and concern.”