— House Leadership Warns Spending Entities to Boycott ‘Rebel Lawmakers’ Budget Hearing
IPNEWS: Even though the Supreme Court has ruled that action of the self-styled ‘majority bloc’, is ‘Ultra Vires’, yet that body still remain defiant by ordering expending entities to appear before it is commencing Monday, December 9, for public hearing on the draft national budget.
On the heels of the Richard Koon’s statement, the Leadership Of The House Of Representatives headed by Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has warned spending entities to stay clear of that scheduled meeting as it is inconsistent and runs contrary to recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
In a statement issued Sunday, December 8, 2024, the House leadership states that it has received information that certain absent members have organized themselves into committees to conduct budget hearings.
The statement quotes the leadership of the House as saying that the action to call for a budget hearing is inconsistent and contrary to the Supreme Court’s decision in the matter “In Re the Constitutionality of the Acts of Certain Members of the House of Representatives, ” as decided on Friday, December 6,2024.
“In line with this ruling, all spending entities are hereby advised not to honor any invitation or appear for any hearing not scheduled by Hon. Dixon Seboe, Chairman on Ways Means and Finance. Any sittings or actions to the contrary will be ultra vires, and no decision taken therefrom will be cognizable at law.”
“We encourage absent members to seek clarification of the Supreme Court’s ruling from competent legal authority in the event that they are unclear about its decision, rather than engage in actions that undermine the rule of law. Furthermore, we urge all members to attend the upcoming session on Tuesday, December 10,2024, where we aim to resolve this impasse and resume the vital work of serving the Liberian people. Let us prioritize unity, legality, and our shared responsibility to the citizens of Liberia.” The House of Representatives leadership statement read.
Earlier Sunday, the absent members of the House of Representatives leadership, under the guidance of Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, informed the public that all preparations were in place for the upcoming Budget hearings, scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
The Koon leadership statement urged Citizens not to be misled by a recent leaflet circulating on social media, which was distributed by the former Speaker Grand Kru County Electoral District #2 Representative J. Fonati Koffa.
They vow to hold the Budget hearings, in the presence of relevant stakeholders, led by its Chairman of the Ways, Means, and Finance Committee, Hon. P. Mike Jury, alongside the Legislative Budget Office (LBO).
“All spending entities have been officially notified and are expected to attend the hearings as part of the formal process.”
“In light of recent events, the former Speaker Rep. J. Fonati Koffa is hereby instructed to cease immediately from issuing such leaflets. It is important to note that he no longer holds the authority to make public communications, following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
The public is reminded that any official communication from the Honorable House of Representatives must come directly from the offices of the Chief Clerk or the Press and Public Affairs Office. These are the only authorized channels through which the House communicates with the public.”
“It is crucial that citizens rely only on official sources for information regarding the activities of the House of Representatives. The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability in serving the best interests of the Liberian people. The leadership of the House of Representatives assures the public that the upcoming Budget hearings will proceed as scheduled, in alignment with established protocols and procedures. All concerned parties, including government ministries, agencies, and institutions, are fully prepared to present their budgets as required.”
“As the hearings approach, the public is encouraged to stay informed through official releases and announcements, ensuring that they have accurate and up-to-date information regarding the proceedings. The House of Representatives continues to prioritize the needs of the Liberian people and is dedicated to fulfilling its legislative responsibilities with the utmost integrity. The institution’s commitment to effective governance and sound fiscal management remains resolute.” The Ricahrd Koon leadership statement read.
