IPNEWS: The office of District four representative, Micheal Thomas, Representative and lead sponsor of the Bill seeking to establish the Paynesville Community College ( PVCC) has called for calm and assures the Citizens and residents of District 4 and the Municipal City of Paynesville that the constitutional process is actively being followed in response to the President’s veto of the Bill seeking to establish the Paynesville Community College.
The leadership of the House of Representatives has seized jurisdiction of the matter and is preparing the next steps as mandated by laws.
“Our democratic system as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of Liberia provides a clear and robust framework for resolving such situations” Charles D. Cooper Chief of Office Staff in the office of Rep.Michael Thomas said.
He said Article 35 of the 1986 constitution states in pertinent parts that upon the passage of a Bill by both Houses of the Legislature, it shall be submitted to the President for approval.
The President may then: approve it, veto it; and return it to the legislature with a written statement of objections to the House in which it originated.
Crucially, the Constitution also empowers the legislature to check an Executive veto. As per Article 35, if the President returns a vetoed Bill, the Legislature may reconsider it. ” If upon such consideration, 2/3’s Members of both Houses pass the Bill it shall become a law”.
COS Cooper said this is a constitutional mechanism designed to ensure that the will of the people, as represented by the elected officials, can ultimately prevail.
He said the Paynesville Community College Bill represents a monumental investment in the Country’s future stating that establishment is poised to create jobs and enhance the livelihood of Liberians, generate revenues for local development through tuitions and other fees, eescue a generation from the detrimental stigmatization of illiteracy and the destitution imposed by a lack of educational opportunities and serve as a primary instrument to reduce illiteracy and empower the youths of Paynesville and beyond.
According to Cooper, Rep. Michael Thomas, Representative Electoral District 4 Montserrado County and lead sponsor of the Bill seeking to establish the Paynesville Community College assures all constituent that the leadership of the House of Representatives will immediately take the necessary constitutional steps to address the veto by coordinating with the Executive and stakeholders in the educational sector.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to this transformative Bill seeking to establish a College in Paynesville and are confident in the strength of our cause and the support it holds within the Legislature” COS Cooper said.
He stressed, “We remain dedicated to the goals of establishing the Paynesville Community College and will provide regular updates as the Constitutional process unfolds.”
