…Ready To Declare 10 Seats Vacant
Liberia-Latest report reaching this paper says embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa is preparing to declare 10 seats in the House of Representatives vacant, citing absenteeism and constitutional violations.
Reports indicate that the embattled Speaker is expected to hold an emergency meeting with House leadership today (Monday) to address the matter under Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 21 of the House’s Standing Rules.
The specific seats affected have not been disclosed, but political pundits believe that those to be affected are members of the Majority Bloc seeking his removal, potentially signaling an intra-house power shift. This declaration could provide the necessary quorum for the House Plenary, enabling Speaker Koffa to preside over sessions and conduct official legislative business despite growing tensions among lawmakers.
Under Article 37 of the Constitution and Rule 21 of the House rules, prolonged absenteeism without authorization can warrant sanctions, including the declaration of a seat as vacant. Rule 21 explicitly states that no House member may be absent for more than two weeks without formal approval from the House, and violators may face penalties as determined by the leadership in consultation with the plenary. This rule grants Speaker Koffa authority to address absenteeism, which he appears poised to exercise fully.
