It is time to heal the “injured Legislature” and restore rule by law in the First Branch of Government. The Liberian Legislature is “injured” due to the improper functioning of the House of Representatives since October 2024. Contrary to Article 29 of the Liberian Constitution, which states, “The legislative power of the Republic shall be vested in the Legislature of Liberia which shall consist of two separate houses: A Senate and a House of Representatives, both of which must pass on all legislation…”, two sessions are being held simultaneously by the House of Representatives due to internal wrangling.
Consequently, the operations of the Liberian Senate are also legally crippled as far as legislation and the rule by law, is concerned. Article 29 states, “The enacting style shall be: “It is enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in Legislature assembled.”
The conflict is caused by attempts by over 40 (forty) members of the House of Representatives to remove their Speaker. However, the members who want to remove the Speaker have not satisfied the Constitutional requirement of 49 votes. Article 49 of the Constitution says that, “The House of Representatives shall elect once every six years a Speaker who shall be the presiding officer of that body… The Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and other officers so elected may be removed from office for cause by resolution of a two-thirds majority of the members of the House”
Although Article 33 requires a simple majority to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business which includes the election of a Speaker and other officials of the House, article 49 specifically states that any removal process of any elected official of the House shall be by two-thirds majority.
Liberia is therefore living with a crippled legislature, which is an unfortunate development in an economically and developmentally challenged post-war country as ours. Many Liberians hoped the Supreme Court would have settled a constitutional question but their ruling brought more confusion than clarity even amongst agents of the Court, the lawyers. Article 66 of the Constitution is clear: “The Supreme Court shall be the final arbiter of constitutional issues and shall exercise final appellate jurisdiction in all cases whether emanating from courts of record, courts not of record, administrative agencies, autonomous agencies or any other authority, both as to law and fact except cases involving ambassadors, ministers or cases in which a county is a party…”
We therefore appeal to the collection of our political leaders, both in the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary branches of government to please take actions to heal the “injured Legislature”. Even God Himself called on the Children of Israel in the Book of Isaiah Chapter 1 verse 18 and 19 to, “Come now, and let us reason together” says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken”.
We can overcome this. Liberian politics is not ideologically based. Out commitments and structures largely lack depths and are personally driven. For example, there isn’t a real “right” or “left” side to our politics. We all go the same way except when our interests, not our ideas, are personally threatened. We don’t know if anyone knows the ideological difference between the Unity Party (UP) and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). All the platforms, strategies, speeches, etc. are the same. We don’t largely hold to a set of values – and ideas but follow personalities. Once they crash, loyalty crumbles. That is why it is much easier to overcome the current impasse for the country’s sake.
In this season of advent, we appeal to our lawmakers, including the Speaker to soberly reflect, engage and bring resolution to the current saga. As children of God, let us allow the Peace of Christ to settle and rule our hearts. Let’s abolish the bitterness and division and reunite as one House of Representatives to do the people’s business. We must not carry this confusion to the New Year, 2025.
