𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬

-In 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲

The House of Representatives- HOR, has cited authorities of the Ministry of Education- MOE to address the protracted delay in disbursing salaries to educators in the county.  

Plenary decided on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, based upon a communication submitted by Maryland County District 3 Representative, Austin B. Taylor, during the 3rd day sitting of the 1st quarter of the 2nd session of the House of Representatives.

Representative Taylor highlighted that teachers in Maryland County have not received their salaries for over three months, prompting a strike that has severely disrupted the region’s education system.  

“This situation has prompted our teachers to initiate a strike, thereby adversely impacting the educational framework in that region of the country,” he stated.  

The Maryland County District 3 Representative proposed that the House cite the Ministers of Education and Finance and Development Planning to provide an explanation for the delay and outline measures to resolve it. 

Authorities of the MOE, are expected to appear before the House Committee on Education on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Meanwhile, Montserrado County District #7, 10 Representatives Emmanuel Dahn, Kolubah Y. Kolubah, and a few other pro-Koffa lawmakers have joined the “Majority Bloc” in the conduct of legislative duties. 

“I have decided to join other members of the Rule of Law Caucus to attend sessions beginning Tuesday, January 21st,” announced Montserrado County, District #7 Representative Emmanuel Dahn.

Dahn’s statement comes after a tumultuous induction session on January 15, 2024, where he reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the Constitution of Liberia. He emphasized that lawmakers must be defenders of the law, not offenders.

He raised concerns about the recent removal of the Speaker, which he believes violated Article 49 of the Constitution. This article stipulates that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker can only be removed by a two-thirds majority vote.

Dahn also revealed that he learned of his abrupt removal as Chairman of the Committee on Executive through social media, a move he described as a breach of Rule 9.1 of the House’s regulations.

The representative condemned the suspension of seven colleagues without due process and criticized the Speakership election, which excluded 30 members from participating.

He pointed to a Supreme Court ruling that deemed many actions taken by the House as ultra vires, or beyond legal authority. However, conflicting interpretations have left the matter unresolved.

Dahn recounted alarming incidents, including clashes among lawmakers, police involvement resulting in injuries, and a protest that turned violent. A fire in their building, suspected to be arson, is also under investigation.