-Liberians see it as Pres. Boakai’s Tacit Support To Oust Koffa
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – Two ministers and the managing director of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) appeared before the “majority bloc” on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, despite a clear warning from Speaker Bhofal Koffa to President Joe Boakai that none of his lieutenants should engage with the bloc.
The officials who attended the session included Francis Sakila Nyumalin, the Minister of Internal Affairs; Sirleaf Tyler, the Minister of Transport; and Mo Ali, the Managing Director of LWSC. Their appearance was prompted by separate communications from members of the majority bloc regarding issues in their respective sectors.
Recently, House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa communicated with the president, indicating that the majority of House members had requested that certain officials from the Executive Branch appear for hearings in the Joint Chambers rather than before the Speaker. The Speaker cautioned that complying with this request could undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent for governance.
With this, the appearance of Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sirleaf Tyler, and Mo Ali appears as a defiance that has scintillated mixed reactions among Liberians, with some interpreting the officials’ presence as a sign of President Boakai’s tacit support for efforts to oust Speaker Koffa. Hector Gontee remarked, “Now it’s clear that Mr. Boakai’s hands and feet are involved in the removal of the legitimate speaker. Is this not business as usual?”
Another citizen, Joe Sosah, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The President’s involvement is evident in this ongoing struggle.” Alfred Fofana added, “The rule of law has been undermined by the executive.” Musa Feika criticized the President, asserting, “We warned the Liberian people that Joe Boakai is not fit for the presidency. He lacks the qualities of a good leader.”
Conversely, some Liberians defended the majority bloc, arguing that they possess the necessary quorum to conduct legislative business and should be allowed to fulfill their duties to the people. Wilfred Dennis stated, “Once the majority bloc reaches the quorum, they should proceed with the work of the Liberian people. While Koffa continues to fight for the law, he might as well resign.”
Stephen Thollay emphasized the importance of legislative continuity, saying, “The work of the Liberian people must go on. The majority bloc has the quorum to conduct sessions, so why shouldn’t the ministers and the managing director respond to their call?”
Fatormah John added, “The majority bloc is the most powerful force in legislative politics. Once there’s a quorum, under the law, they can indeed serve the interests of the Liberian people.” As the political landscape in Liberia continues to evolve, pundits say the implications of this incident may have lasting effects on the relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
Giving Koffa a blind eye:
The submission of the draft national budget for the fiscal year 2025 over the weekend experienced another postponement from its original deadline (November 8, 2024). This decision was conveyed by Samuel A. Stevquoah, Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, in communications addressed to both the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mildred Siryon, and the Secretary of the Senate, Hon. J. Nanborlor Singbeh.
According to the communication, President Boakai is seeking expert advice to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Supreme Court’s ruling and its implications for governance. However, the President’s decision has not been welcomed by some of the Liberians, as they believe it is unusual and somehow acknowledges the legitimacy of those lawmakers who are ousting to remove the Speaker.
This is because this current pattern of the budget submission appears similar to the pattern that resulted in Deputy Speaker Tjomas P. Fallah joining the self-style “Majority Bloc.” After being summoned by the bloc twice, Fallah first asked to consult his lawyer and subsequently joined them the next Thursday.
The smoky meeting:
On Tuesday, some unknown individuals, reportedly loyal to House Speaker Fonati Koffa, allegedly pepper-sprayed the joint chamber. The incident occurred moments after the majority of bloc members entered to conduct their session. Lawmakers were seen coughing and sneezing while in the joint chamber. The unidentified individuals also broke down the door to the canteen, just a few steps away from the joint chamber entrance, in an attempt to enter. However, security guards loyal to the majority bloc prevented them from gaining access.
