Majority Bloc Chases House’s Lucrative Committees, suspend three
By Jerromie S. Walters
The ongoing struggle to oust House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has ignited a fervent debate among Liberians since its genesis, with many citizens—both influential figures and ordinary citizens alike—characterizing the actions of the self-proclaimed “Majority Bloc” as a personal crusade driven by individual ambitions rather than a genuine desire for institutional reform.
From the outset, the anti-Koffa lawmakers’ motivations have been scrutinized. Critics argue that their relentless pursuit of Koffa’s removal is less about governance and more about personal aggrandizement. This perception is fueled by the lawmakers’ unwavering stance, which remains steadfast even in the face of interventions from various stakeholders, including former legislators, the Liberian Senate, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Over the weekend, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that its recent mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis within Liberia’s House of Representatives didn’t result in a favorable conclusion. Despite successfully convening both the majority and minority blocs for negotiations, the parties were unable to reach an agreement within the timeframe of the mission.
In a statement released following their discussions, ECOWAS acknowledged the challenges faced during the mediation process. “Although it successfully brought both parties to the negotiating table and after several rounds of in-depth discussions with stakeholders on the contending issues, the parliamentary delegation notes that the parties were not able to arrive at a favorable conclusion,” the statement said.
Undoubtedly, some say this acknowledges questions about the legitimacy of the aggrieved lawmakers’ claims and whether the drive for change is genuinely rooted in the public interest or simply a vehicle for personal gain.
Restructuring the leadership
Public opinion has grown increasingly perplexing, particularly with the recent decision to restructure the leadership of the House of Representatives. On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the “Majority Bloc” of the House of Representatives initiated a restructuring of the House of Representatives’ leadership, with major replacements on key committees. The bloc removed Representative Dixon Seboe from his position as Chairman of the House Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget, along with Margibi County Representative Ellen Attoh Wreh, who served as Co-Chair.
Taking over as acting chairman of the committee is Representative P. Mike Jury from Maryland County. In addition, Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole has been ousted from his role as Chairman of the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee. He will be succeeded by Representative James Kolleh, who has been appointed as the acting chairman.
The restructuring has also affected other committees, including the Committee on Public Accounts, which has been occupied by anti-Koffa lawmakers. On many occasions, Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah has branded the securing of committees as a means lawmakers often use to generate illegal funds in the House. According to him, this is often done through the national budget and other means.
The suspension
Also, on Tuesday, the self-styled “Majority Bloc” suspended Montserrado County District #13 Representative Edward P. Flomo, District #14 Representative Abu Kamara, and Bong County District #3 Representative Marvin Cole for one month. The bloc says the suspension is a result of acts of misconduct exhibited by the lawmakers. This means that the affected lawmakers will forfeit their legally mandated benefits, including salary, for the duration of the 30 days. The decision was reached unanimously, although three lawmakers chose to abstain from the vote.
However, the actions taken against these members of Koffa’s bloc further complicate the narrative. This is because some members of the anti-Koffa faction, including Margibi County Representative Ivan Jones, were involved in a violent clash that resulted in property damage within the legislative chambers. Jones was accused of being responsible for breaking a door during an altercation in the joint chamber. Critics argue that the inconsistency in disciplinary measures reflects a double standard.
Public sentiment appears to align with the view that the fight against Koffa is less about accountability and more about personal power struggles within the legislature. Many Liberians express skepticism about the motive of the Majority Bloc, fearing that their actions could erode the integrity of the House of Representatives and set a dangerous precedent for political maneuvering in the country.
Exhausted with the impasse
As the impasse at the House of Representatives continues to drag on, the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL) recently threatened an unspecified mass citizen action if members of that august body fail to settle their dispute and also if President Joseph Boakai does not play a leadership role in intervening into the situation.
While appearing on ECOWAS Radio recently, Madam Loretta Alethea Pope-Kai, Chairperson of NCSCL, along with other officials and members of the Council, said the issues at the House are very concerning for the nation that need to be resolved urgently in the best interest of the people.
The NCSCL boss, who expressed serious disappointment in both camps, pointed out that their actions are counterproductive to the country’s development process and, at the same time, undermine the peace and security of the state. Predicated upon this, she called on members of the House of Representatives to come together and bring an immediate end to the current impasse.
