Most members of the majority bloc in the House of Representatives have rejected an appeal to lift a suspension imposed on their colleagues from the minority bloc.
By Bridgett Milton
Monrovia, January 7, 2025: Members of the majority bloc of the House of Representatives have rejected an appeal to lift a suspension imposed on seven of their colleagues for the month of December 2024.
Montserrado County Electoral District #8 Representative Prince A. Toles urged members of the majority bloc to consider granting their colleagues a pardon for that period.
Rep. Toles said his appeal is in light of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s intervention, referencing Article 50 of the Liberian Constitution.
‘’As we have entered the festive season, a time dedicated to family and community support, I strongly advocate for our colleagues to receive their full salaries and benefits for December 2024, after which their suspensions can be resumed in January 2025,’’ he said.
He said this action would enable them to fulfill their responsibilities to their families, communities, and constituents during this significant time of the year.
The Montserrado County lawmaker added that such a gesture would not only reflect their commitment to supporting one another as colleagues.
He suggested that it also embodies the values of empathy, unity, and solidarity that Representatives of the people hold dear.
After reading the communication, the appeal was rejected by most of his colleagues.
Margibi County Representative Clarence Gahr made a motion to dismiss the request.
He insisted that the lawmakers should remain suspended without benefit.
The suspended lawmakers are Rep. Frank Saah Foko of Montserrado County Electoral District #9, Rep. Eugene Kollie, Rep. Zinnah Norman, and Rep. Alex Sonnyboy Noah.
Others are Rep. Marvin Cole, Rep.Abu Kamara, and Rep. Edward Papay Flomo.
While their session was ongoing, suspended lawmaker Eugene Kollie entered the session.
But Presiding Officer Richard Koon told Rep. Kollie to leave because he could not be part of the session.
According to Speaker Koon, Rep. Kollie is under suspension. He, therefore, instructed the sergeant at arms to escort him outside.
