As the House of Representatives crisis deepens, the former standard bearer of the grand old True Wing Party has stressed the need for a peaceful resolution.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered the majority bloc at the House of Representatives to cease all actions and return to the status quo while it reviews Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s petition challenging his ouster.
The Supreme Court, in a writ issued, directed the Minister of Justice and members of the House of Representatives involved in the dispute to file their responses by November 26, 2024, and ordered the majority bloc, led by Montserrado County Representative Richard Koon, to cease all further actions until the matter is resolved.
The leadership crisis deepened on November 21, when the majority bloc controversially convened in the joint chambers of the Legislature, declared the Speaker’s seat vacant, and elected Representative Koon as the new Speaker.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia over the weekend, Dr. Eric Olson said Liberia’s democracy is still embryonic, and there is space for negotiation to resolve the legislative stalemate.
Mr. Olson, who has peacefully mediated between the two blocs, clarified that the legislators should not allow their anger over the national peace.
The former TWP leader said, “While we recognize the independence of the three branches of government, this cannot stop the executive branch from calming the storm.”
“The two groups do not work for themselves, and they need each to do the people’s business,” he said, adding: “Differences in opinion are one thing, and implementing the laws in and outside the laws of the land is completely another.”
“We are still hoping to discuss with both blocs because it will be disastrous for the nation when the two groups continue to stale the legislative business in the country.”
“There is no conflict without an end, and the legislative crisis should not be an exception because the legislative crisis is not setting a good example for the succeeding generation.”
By: Augustine Octavius, Contributor
