The Liberian Senate faces criticism for doing business with majority lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, Liberia, November 27, 2024 – Senator Joseph Jallah of Lofa County is concerned about the Liberian Senate doing business with majority lawmakers of the House of Representatives despite a leadership impasse engulfing that body.
The senate recently commenced business with the majority bloc that announced the removal of embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The Senate’s decision comes as a result of a letter sent to the majority bloc here, craving them for concurrence on two key legislative instruments.
Those legislative instruments amongst others include an Act seeking to amend the Liberia Maritime law, and the Liberia Sea Port and Regulatory Authority; the Act if passed by the 55th Legislature, will create independent seaports and inland ports.
The legislative instrument will regulate authority to provide for the regulation and sustainable development of seaports and inland ports operation and service in Liberia.
Senator Jallah raised the concern on Tuesday, 26 November in plenary when the agenda was read and open for adaption and addition.
“Mr. Presiding, it’s noticed that our decision taken recently has been taken to one of the factions in the House, but not the regular Speaker (J. Fonita Koffa); especially the last bill that was passed under the watch of Vice President Jeremiah Koung”, he points out.
Based on the concern raised by Senator Jallah, plenary descended in disorder, on grounds that they have ratified their wrong in a consultation that he failed to attend.
However, superficially addressing the claim by the Lofa County Senator, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, who is also President of the Liberian Senate, explained that they called for consultation, but Sen. Jallah didn’t attend.
“However, we made a decision in the meeting. And so, we hope that you attend the meeting to have understanding”, President Koung clarifies. Editing by Jonathan Browne
