Liberia: Majority Bloc Suspends Four Lawmakers Amid Rising Legislative Tensions

The Majority Bloc of the Liberian Legislature suspended four more lawmakers for 30 session days due to alleged misconduct, bringing the total suspended to seven. The lawmakers will forfeit their December, January, and February salaries, and further disciplinary actions may be taken. While the actions have caused political friction, concerns about fairness and potential political motivations persist within the House.

In a significant move, members of the Majority Bloc within the Liberian Legislature have suspended four additional lawmakers for 30 session days due to alleged misconduct. This announcement, made during Thursday’s legislative session, follows the earlier lifting of a suspension hold by the House Plenary. The suspended officials include Frank Saah Foko, Eugene Kollie, Zinnah Normah, and Alex Noah, whose actions were considered unbecoming of their roles as representatives.

During their suspension, the affected lawmakers will forfeit their salaries and benefits for December, January, and February. Furthermore, the House has indicated that their salaries for March may be redirected to the government’s revenue if deemed necessary. Presiding officer Richard Nagbe Koon intimated that those previously suspended might face expulsion in January for not adhering to the bloc’s directive to refrain from attending the Capitol. However, Rep. Samuel Kogar cautioned against such action, invoking the principle of double jeopardy, which posits that individuals should not face punishment for the same offense twice.

This latest suspension builds upon prior actions against three lawmakers: Marvin Cole, Abu Kamara, and Edward Papay Flomo, bringing the total number of suspended legislators to seven. The Majority Bloc, an opposing faction to Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership, has been convening in the Joint Chamber since October, effectively challenging his authority and pursuing changes to the House’s leadership structure.

Critics from the pro-Koffa camp have condemned the Majority Bloc’s actions as unconstitutional, asserting that the suspensions undermine the credibility of the Legislature. The accusations levied against the suspended lawmakers primarily involve obstructing fellow legislators from attending sessions. Such actions have elicited diverse opinions, with concerns raised regarding the fairness and transparency of the disciplinary measures, which some view as politically motivated.

The Majority Bloc’s recent suspension of lawmakers is set against a backdrop of rising political tensions within the Liberian Legislature. The group has been actively opposing Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s leadership and has been engaged in contentious sessions that have altered the dynamics of House leadership. The suspensions reflect deep divisions within the Legislature, as factions vie for control and legitimacy. Critics question the motivations behind these actions, suggesting that they may be politically charged rather than grounded in genuine legislative concern.

The suspensions of seven lawmakers by the Majority Bloc highlight ongoing political turmoil within the Liberian Legislature. Questions about the legitimacy and motivation behind these actions remain contentious, with significant implications for the credibility of the House. As tensions escalate, the possibility of further disciplinary actions looms, revealing the underlying fractures in governance and authority among the representatives.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com