Liberia-The recent crisis in the House of Representatives over the removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa by an aggrieved group of lawmakers is said to be undermining the submission of the 2025 Draft National Budget to that august body.
The submission of the draft national budget for the fiscal year 2025 has been postponed from November 8, 2024. This decision was conveyed by Samuel A. Stevquoah, Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, in communications addressed to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mildred Sayon, and the Secretary of the Liberian Senate, J. Nanborlor Singbeh.
The postponement arises from the ongoing crisis at the House of Representatives over the removal of Speaker Koffa who has on the other hand, vowed not to resign because of pressure.
At the same time, President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has been informed of a Petition for a Writ of Prohibition filed by Speaker Koffa, which seeks the Supreme Court’s intervention to resolve an ongoing impasse among House members.
The Speaker’s communication indicated that a 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. In a related note, the Justice in Chambers declined to issue the Writ of Prohibition as requested by the Speaker on November 6, 2024.
In light of these developments, President Boakai is actively seeking expert advice to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Supreme Court’s ruling and its implications for governance. Stevquoah emphasized the President’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of the three branches of government and the importance of resolving the legislative quagmire in the interest of the Liberian people.
As a result of the ongoing consultations, the draft national budget will not be presented on the previously scheduled date. The President has expressed hope that members of the House of Representatives will resolve the current issues swiftly, allowing for a more stable legislative environment.
