IPNEWS: Tuesday, December 9, Senate decision announced by Senate Pro Tempore’ Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence that the Liberian Senate had resolved to uphold Justice Minister Tweh’s interpretation of the constitutional legitimacy of the House’s Majority Bloc, continued to received sharp criticism across all spectrum of the Liberian society including members of the Senate.
Senators voted to uphold Tweh’s opinion following a consultative meeting at the Capitol Building. Pro Tempore Karnga-Lawrence explained that the Senate’s resolution reflects a decision to engage with the Majority Bloc in legislative matters, including the ongoing 2025 draft budget deliberations.
On the heels of this decision by the Senate, several senators including Margibi county, Nathaniel McGill (Margibi County) and Augustine Chea (Sinoe County), vehemently opposed the resolution, describing it as a dangerous precedent.
Senator McGill expressed strong disapproval of the decision, accusing the Justice Minister of acting as a “partisan lawyer” and warning of chaos if the rule of law is not upheld.
“The Executive has decided to carry out a coup by illegally removing Speaker Koffa. The Attorney General’s opinion has no serious basis and undermines the rule of law. This is a recipe for chaos in Liberia,” McGill declared.
McGill also criticized the use of police force to remove lawmakers from the Capitol Building and called for international sanctions against those undermining Liberia’s democracy.
Now, Grand Bassa Senator and one of the most influential Senators of modern Liberian politics, Gbenzohngar Milton Findley, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Revenue, has publicly distanced himself from the decision made by the majority of his Senate colleagues to uphold the Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh’s interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling concerning the recognition of Speaker Richard Koon and his majority bloc in the House of Representatives.
In a statement over the weekend, Findley expressed concerns over the Senate’s involvement in a crisis that he believes has not yielded any productive results.
He emphasized that the Senate should have remained neutral in the matter, as its recognition of one faction has failed to resolve the ongoing impasse in the House.
“The action of the Senate to recognize a particular side of the House has not yielded any fruitful results to amicably settle the matter,” Findley stated in an exclusive interview at his office in Monrovia. “The stalemate still persists.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which addressed a case filed by embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa against the “Majority Bloc” of the House, has led to a severe escalation of tensions, including physical confrontations among lawmakers and staff.
Minister Tweh’s interpretation of the ruling suggested that the majority members of the House met the legal requirements to hold sessions and make decisions, which Findley criticized.
He further noted that the current Senate action contradicts a previous decision made on November 26, when the Senate resolved not to conduct business with either side of the House until the crisis was resolved. “We should have stayed completely out of it,” he remarked, stressing that mediation attempts by the Senate were unsuccessful.
Senator Findley raised questions about why the Senate did not hold a recorded vote on this latest decision, as was done previously.
“That question is to the leadership of the Senate; I think they will be the most appropriate persons to answer that,” he said.
Regarding the assertion that the budget must be passed urgently to avoid a national shutdown, Senator Findley dismissed this claim, arguing that existing laws provide for the continuation of government operations even in the absence of an approved budget.
“One-twelfth of the previous budget will apply, so the country would not shut down because of the budget not passing,” he explained.
In response to speculation that Senators may have been bribed to support the Majority Bloc, Findley rejected the notion, stating, “I don’t think my colleagues will take any kind of inducement.” He maintained that individual Senators have a right to make decisions based on the interests of their constituents.
Findley also condemned the involvement of police at the Capitol during recent clashes as an overreach. “The seat of the Liberian Legislature is not a station for LNP officers,” he asserted, demanding accountability regarding who invited law enforcement to the premises.
On the issue of the Supreme Court ruling, Findley noted that the interpretation provided by Minister Tweh was advisory and not binding on the Legislature. He called for clarity from the Supreme Court regarding its decision to ensure all parties can move forward effectively.
“I like to reiterate the need for a diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis within the House of Representatives. Respect for the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of Justice in Liberia must be upheld.”
“We cannot tolerate group of individuals disrespecting our laws; Liberia is surpassed this and this must not be permitted.” Senator Findley intoned.
On Friday, December 13, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia called for respect for the rule of law and peaceful resolution to the escalating leadership crisis in Liberia’s House of Representatives, urging leaders to prioritize unity and democratic principles.
“The United States wants to see Liberia’s political processes play out peacefully and with respect for the rule of law. Liberians expect their leaders to uphold democracy and its practices, to include one that allows for open and transparent political processes and peaceful debate,” the statement read.
Acknowledging the high-stakes tensions on Capitol Hill, the Embassy stated that violence must be avoided at all costs and urged all parties to engage in constructive dialogue.
“We urge all parties to maintain peace. It is important that leaders show unity. Violence is never the answer, and it serves no one’s interest. We strongly urge both sides to reach compromise, so the important work of the legislature can continue for the Liberian people.”
The Embassy’s comments come amid an escalating political impasse in the legislature, with lawmakers divided over leadership and legislative authority.
The U.S. Embassy acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a democracy, particularly during moments of political discord, but expressed confidence in Liberia’s ability to resolve the crisis.
“Maintaining a democracy is never easy, and there will certainly be tough times. But the key is learning from the missteps and remaining steadfast in knowing there is no place nor benefit to resorting to violence,” the Embassy noted.
The U.S. Embassy reaffirmed its confidence in Liberia’s democratic institutions and processes. “We remain confident that whatever differences political parties and individual politicians may have, they can come together to address them through direct and peaceful engagement for the good of the nation,” the statement noted.
Meanwhile, the authoritative Independent Probe newspaper has established those massive preparations are ongoing for a public protest calling on Lawmakers to return to the Chambers of the House in keeping with the ruling of the Supreme Court.
Organizers with trending social media promos, are calling on citizens regardless of political affiliation to come out in mass on Tuesday, December 17 with route been designated.
