Monrovia – Representative Dixon Wlawlee Seboe has confirmed that House Speaker Fonati Koffa has authorized the distribution of copies of the draft national budget to all 73 members of the House of Representatives. The move aims to facilitate a proper review of the national financial instrument.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Addressing legislative reporters at the Capitol Building on Tuesday, Rep. Seboe (District 16, Montserrado County) disclosed that the Speaker’s instruction followed a notification from the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives. According to the Chief Clerk, the Ministry of Finance had submitted multiple copies of the budget to the House, as required by the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law.
Rep. Seboe emphasized that distributing the draft budget to lawmakers sets the stage for its thorough review. However, he noted that any deliberations would require the House to achieve a quorum under Speaker Koffa’s leadership.
This announcement adds another layer of complexity to the already controversial budget submission process. The executive branch had earlier bypassed protocol by presenting the draft budget to the Chief Clerk Mildred Sayon, instead of the Speaker, as mandated. The Deputy Chief Clerk, in the absence of Madam Sayon, ultimately submitted the budget to the Majority Bloc, a move that left Speaker Koffa displeased.
The latest development unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing tension in the House of Representatives, with two opposing factions awaiting a Supreme Court ruling to determine their legitimacy.
Proceedings at the House remain at a standstill. Speaker Koffa and the Minority Bloc have been unable to convene a session due to a lack of quorum, while the Majority Bloc has refrained from holding sessions following a Supreme Court stay order on the legislative impasse.
The distribution of the draft budget underscores the urgency of resolving the political deadlock, as the country’s fiscal operations hinge on the approval of the national budget.
