By Naneka A. Hoffman
Monrovia, December 16, 2024/Bishop Kortu Brown, former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), calls for unity and reconciliation between the Executive and the National Legislature, particularly the House of Representatives, urging them to prioritize the country’s welfare and the needs of its citizens.
He emphasizes the importance of healing the “injured Legislature” and restoring the rule of law within the First Branch of Government, which internal conflicts have compromised.
Bishop Brown explains that the Liberian Legislature has been “injured” due to the dysfunction within the House of Representatives since October 2024.
The Constitution mandates that legislative power is vested in the Legislature, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, due to infighting, two sessions of the House of Representatives are being held simultaneously, causing a breakdown in the legislative process. This internal wrangling has also impacted the Senate’s ability to function properly, making it legally crippled in terms of legislation and rule of law.
The conflict stems from a failed attempt by over 40 members of the House to remove the Speaker. However, these members have not met the constitutional requirement of 49 votes needed for such a removal, as stipulated in Article 49 of the Liberian Constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority for the removal of any elected official of the House. While Article 33 allows a simple majority to form a quorum for business, removing the Speaker requires explicitly two-thirds approval, a condition that has not been met.
Bishop Brown describes the current situation as a setback for Liberia, particularly for a country still grappling with the challenges of post-war recovery and economic hardship.
He expresses disappointment that the Supreme Court, which was expected to resolve the constitutional issue, instead contributed to confusion in its recent opinion.
In his appeal, the LCC former President urged all political leaders across the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches to take swift and decisive actions to heal the “injured Legislature.”
He referenced the Book of Isaiah 1:18 in the Holy Bible, where God calls the Children of Israel to come together and reason with Him, promising that if they are willing and obedient, they will prosper, but if they continue in rebellion, they will face dire consequences.
Bishop Brown encourages Liberia’s political leaders to follow this divine example and find common ground for the country’s benefit.
He also reflects on lack of ideological differentiation in Liberian politics, noting that political allegiances are often driven by personalities rather than a set of values or ideas. This, he argues, makes it easier to resolve the current impasse if all parties are motivated by the country’s well-being rather than personal interests.
As Liberia enters the season of Advent, Bishop Brown urges lawmakers, including the Speaker, to reflect, engage in dialogue, and work towards resolving the current crisis.
He calls on them to allow the peace of Christ to guide their hearts, to set aside bitterness and division, and to reunite as one House of Representatives to serve the people.
He made the call on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the New Water in the Desert Pentecostal Church in Brewerville, Montserrado County, cautioning that the nation must not carry this confusion in the New Year, 2025 while Liberians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
