-Rep. Musa Bility Calls for Lawful Resolution to House Leadership Crisis
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – In an appeal to his colleagues in the Majority Bloc, Representative Musa Hassan Bility of District 7, Nimba County, has urged lawmakers to resolve the ongoing leadership crisis in the House of Representatives in a lawful and honorable manner. His call comes after the Supreme Court provided further clarity on its ruling regarding the House’s operations, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional principles.
In a statement addressed to his colleagues, Rep. Bility referenced a recent interpretation of the court’s ruling delivered by Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, on Monday, February 10. Although Justice Kaba spoke without the full bench, his remarks carried significant weight as one of the justices who signed the original opinion governing the current situation.
“We sought the court’s interpretation of its ruling, and we have received that clarity. While Justice Kaba was not speaking on behalf of the full bench, his statement as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court cannot be ignored,” Rep. Bility stated.
The Nimba County lawmaker emphasized that the Majority Bloc’s current actions, despite holding the numerical advantage, are illegal under the court’s ruling. He pointed out that the House cannot function without a duly elected Speaker, even if a quorum is present. Meanwhile, the Minority Bloc, while adhering to the law in its sittings, lacks the numbers to make binding decisions for the Liberian people.
“This clarification from the court presents us with an opportunity—an opportunity to resolve our differences in a lawful, responsible, and honorable manner. It is an opportunity for us, as elected representatives, to rise above partisanship and act in the best interest of our people,” Rep. Bility asserted.
He called on his colleagues to come together to address the leadership impasse, warning that actions taken outside the legal framework violate the Constitution. Rep. Bility urged lawmakers to reflect on the challenges facing the nation and the potential consequences of failing to act responsibly.
“Everything happening outside this framework—every action taken beyond the legal confines—is a violation of the Constitution. I implore you, my colleagues, let us sit together. Let us reflect on the state of our country, the difficulties our people face, and the potential dangers ahead if we fail to act responsibly,” he said.
Rep. Bility reminded his colleagues of their constitutional duty to provide oversight of the other branches of government, a responsibility they swore to uphold. He stressed that their role as legislators extends beyond representation to ensuring accountability and good governance.
“Our role as legislators is not just to represent our people but also to ensure proper oversight of the other branches of government. That is the constitutional responsibility we swore to uphold. That is the duty entrusted to us by the Liberian people,” he stated.
In his appeal, Rep. Bility acknowledged that the Majority Bloc still holds the advantage but urged them to use that position to negotiate a just and honorable resolution. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the nation’s interests over partisan politics.
“The majority remains in your favor; you still have the advantage. But let us use that advantage to negotiate a just and honorable resolution for the betterment of our country,” he said.
Rep. Bility concluded his statement by wishing his colleagues happy holidays and expressing hope that they would seize the opportunity to restore stability and integrity to the House of Representatives.
As the leadership crisis continues to stall legislative activities, Rep. Bility’s call for dialogue and adherence to the rule of law underscores the urgent need for resolution. The Liberian people await a lawful and honorable outcome that will enable their representatives to focus on addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.
