IPNEWS: In flagrant disregard to recent Supreme Court clarification on its December 6, 2024, ruling that House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa was unlawfully removed by ‘rebel lawmakers’, President Joseph N. Boakai of Liberia has formally begun business with the ‘rebel Lawmakers’, by extension of their stay by one month for deliberation of the draft National budget.
The one month stay for the Lawmakers, especially members of the ‘Majority bloc’ will deliberate several draft legislative instruments as making evident their legitimacy.
On Thursday, December 12,lawyers representing Speaker Koffa filed a Bill of information to Supreme Court over the gross refusal of members of the self-styled majority bloc to adhere to the ruling of the Supreme Court.
Regardless, of all these legal challenges, President Boakai has submitted several key financial instruments to the majority bloc for enactment, including: The Bank-Financial Institutions and Bank-Financial Holding Companies Act of 2024, Tax Amendment Act of December 2024, Tax Amendment Act of 2024 and An Act to amend sections of the Revenue Code 2000 regarding VAT
President Boakai has emphasized that the Bank-Financial Institutions Act aims to strengthen the legal framework for financial regulation, essential for promoting economic stability. The proposed tax amendments are designed to enhance revenue generation, improve public service delivery, and address Liberia’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
The amendments proposed includes a revision of VAT rate of 15%, down from the current 18%, as part of a broader strategy to foster compliance and bolster the national budget. These changes are expected to impact various sectors, including royalties on natural resources and excise taxes.
On December 6, 2024, the Supreme Court of Liberia weighed in on the legislative standoff, ruling that actions taken by the “Majority Bloc” that deviated from Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution were deemed ultra vires, or beyond their legal authority. However, just days later, on December 10, 2024, both the Executive branch and the Liberian Senate officially endorsed the Bloc, raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.
The situation escalated on November 21, 2024, when Representative Richard Nagbe Koon of Montserrado County District #11 was controversially elected and inducted as the “new Speaker” of the 55th Legislature. The Bloc claims that approximately 50 members supported this decision, though many later withdrew their signatures, branding Koon’s election as fraudulent.
Article 49 of the 1986 Constitution mandates that the House of Representatives elect a Speaker every six years, with provisions for removal by a two-thirds majority. Critics argue that the recent developments undermine this constitutional framework.
Meanwhile, Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine Dennis, a prominent member of the opposition Liberty Party (LP) and former vice-presidential candidate on the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) ticket has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing impasse at the House of Representatives.
Cllr. Brumskine in a live video on Thursday, November 22, 2024, reflected on the profound disconnect between the needs and desires of the populace and the actions of those in power, especially with the actions of members of the House of Representatives, particularly the ‘rebel Lawmakers’.
The former vice standard bearer of the CPP highlighted the disconnect between the electorate’s desires and the actions of their lawmakers, she commented, “The thing I find confusing, those of us who are on ground, who are talking to people here, who are following social media and listening to the radio. There is a disjoint. A disconnect between what the people, the population claim to want and what’s happening at the Capitol. So for me, in my little understanding of democracy, we are not exercising a democracy. We are not exercising a democracy. We are exercising power and authority by a few against the will of the many.”
Cllr. Brumskine-Dennis accentuated the fundamental role of elected officials in representing the interests of their constituents. “Those who we are electing are supposed to speak our voices, our interests, and our positions. They are not elected to represent their own interest. They are elected to represent the interests of the people.
In a related development, with less than 73hrs following threats to strip security protection and other immunities from the Speaker of the House of Representative if he fails to resign, Speaker Koffa has reported that the Boakai’s government has officially him of the withdrawal of state security protection assigned to him.
The withdrawal of the security detail by both the Liberian National Police and the Executive Protection Service, has now heightened fears among members of the House of Representatives, family and ordinary Liberians of the Speaker’s safety.
IPNEWS Reporter at both the Home and office of Speaker Koffa early Thursday morning, witnessed the conspicuous absence of both LNP and EPS officers.
According to a message seen by IPNEWS, the alleged threat stated:
“Koffa, the Speaker job is for the UP. Our party won’t sit there and reward its enemies. We will kill you if we have to. Hint to the wise is sufficient. Resign now!!!”
In response, the Speaker’s office disclosed that his security team has alerted counterparts within the joint security apparatus, and an investigation was underway.
A statement from the Speaker’s office assured the public that he remains safe and is spending a quiet evening at home with his family.
The incident has raised concerns about the escalating tension in the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile intense lobby continued throughout late Wednesday night by both elements of the Executive and Senate for the resignation of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
