Liberia-Liberia, according to political and security analysts, is teetering on the brink of what they consider as a cataclysmic conflict gradually being fueled and occasioned by ongoing developments at the House of Representatives over the removal of House Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa by a group of lawmakers who are now referred to as “majority bloc”, which the Executive Branch is accused of inflaming.
The situation which incepted October 17 when the concerned lawmakers, also dubbed renegade group, signed a resolution in favor of the removal of the Speaker who was out of the country at the time, is getting dynamic by the day, leaving Liberians befuddled over the direction their country is taking.
With no solution seems to be too close due to the resilience of both parties to not bow down, many believe the situation could degenerate into a full-scale conflict that could take political and tribal dimension, considering the huge tribal and political interest it has generated.
The situation, now the most topical issue in the country, is being discussed everywhere in cars, social media, radio stations, market places and even in churches, with pastors expressing concerns about its impact on the country.
Refused to sit under the authority of Speaker Koffa who they accused of undermining the House of Representatives, corruption and interference, the “Majority Bloc” has been conducting its own session, while the minority bloc – those standing with the Speaker – is doing same but finding it hard to congregate the required number for Session.
The situation turned topsy-turvy and escalated Tuesday over allegation of attempted efforts by Representative Melvin Cole to invade the Joint Chambers being used by the renegade lawmakers for session.
Also, it was reported that a security officer was arrested by Police for reasons unknown, but was later released following intervention made some lawmakers from the “Minority Bloc”.
His release did not bring the situation to a close as violence further erupted when some lawmakers from the other side attempted disrupting the session of the “majority bloc” that was playing host to some officials from the Executive Branch of government.
The session was marred by coughing, sneezing, and red eyes by those present in the chambers, with reports that unidentified individuals sprayed the joint chamber and broke down the door to the canteen, just a few steps away from the joint chamber entrance, in an attempt to enter.
It was also reported that security guards loyal to the “majority bloc” prevented them from gaining access.
Internal Affairs Minister Francis Nyumalin (a relative to president Joseph N. Boakai), Water and Sewer Managing Director, Mo Ali and Transport Minister Sirleaf Tyler who had been invited by the “majority bloc” showed up before them irrespective of the tension.
Why would the three officials from the Executive Branch appear before the “majority bloc” amid the tension at the HOR further rises questions about President Boakai’s innocence in the matter that is driving the country so inelegantly intractable and politically bare.
According to Liberians, the appearance of Boakai’s government officials before the Majority Bloc sheds light on the fact that the Executive Branch is in bed with the ‘rebellious’ group.
The appeared officials are not alien to the entire saga, according to those knowledgeable of the development, owing to their alleged involvement in the funneling of the money the rebellious lawmakers allegedly received as inducement to facilitate the Speaker’s removal.
As a result of this, The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has since invited the management of the Liberia Water & Sewer Corporation, Minister of Transport and others in the wake of soared reports that the money which is considered as bribe was channeled through the accounts.
Dozens of ordinary Liberians as well as journalists who filled the courtyard of the Capitol Building were left gulped seeing the situation literally turned pugilistic and messy.
Video footages on social media showed members of the majority lawmakers embarking from their vehicles in the state of despair following the drama which led to abrupt adjourning of their Session.
Representative Samuel Korgar of Nimba County 5th District who heads the “Majority Bloc” told reporters that they are not deterred by the situation because the law recognizes the majority to conduct business of the House.
He avoided confirming whether the Joint Chambers was teargased, but rather weighed in on what he called perception concerning their, not being able or not willing to adhere to the rule of law.
“The perception people got that we are evading the rule of law is a myth,” Rep. Korgar said, adding “Parliamentarian-wise, the house is run by majority, when you lost the gavel of your majority, means you are mute.”
His comment is an appearance to Speaker Koffa.
Korgar also made reference to similar situations in different parts of the world, mostly Great Britain where he said former Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned when he lost control of the House of Parliament, an indication that Speaker Koffa should consider resigning because he has lost control of the House.
Rep. Korgar said their action is not to filibuster, but it is to ensure the work of the Liberian people is carried out as effectively as possible.
Angry over the situation, Liberians have shared thoughts on social media as well. “We need a dictator who can put these people in their places. Taylor would have dealt with them but JNB (President Joseph N. Boakai) is weak,” Mo Mulbah, a resident of Chicken soup factory stated, while Vamadee Donzo of the same area said “Liberia is in crisis.”
Jackie Sayegbe, a resident in Garnesville wondered why the police is only providing security for the “majority bloc” group when they both do not have the numbers, while Elijah Blazon, a motor bike rider referred to “majority bloc” lawmakers as “bunch of fools who God will punish.”
“Funny country with funny people where there is no rule of law,” Stephen Farley, and Ade Okai think the “majority bloc” lawmakers are “so rebels.”
