In a pivotal development for the legislative arm, Hon. Musa H. Bility, Representative of Nimba County District #7, was unanimously elected on Saturday, January 4, 2025, as the leader of the 28-member block in the House of Representatives. Based on Speaker Fonati Koffa’s recommendation, his election has sparked renewed calls for unity and the restoration of legislative order during a deep political division.
Following his election, Rep. Bility expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues for entrusting him with such a significant responsibility. In his acceptance remarks, Bility acknowledged the gravity of the challenges facing Liberia’s legislature, stating that the House leadership was at a crossroads and emphasizing the need to prioritize constitutional responsibilities over partisan interests.
Bility focuses on restoring normalcy within the House of Representatives, a body plagued by infighting and legislative gridlock. He pledged to lead with transparency, uphold the rule of law, and work toward a collective vision that aligns with the aspirations of the Liberian people. Acknowledging the ongoing legislative stalemate, he extended an olive branch to opposing faction members, urging them to reflect on the impasse’s detrimental impact on the people they represent.
The House of Representatives has been mired by the division, with neither block able to achieve the quorum required for regular legislative business. Rep. Bility highlighted the opposing group’s inability to meet the legal requirements for removing the Speaker or reconstituting committees, actions taken outside procedural legality. He argued that this stalemate has paralyzed the legislative branch, weakening oversight functions and halting meaningful governance.
In his statement, Bility underscored the far-reaching consequences of this division, particularly the unchecked operations of the executive branch over the past three months. With oversight responsibilities severely compromised, he called for urgent action to bridge the divide, restore the integrity of the House, and return to the essential work of governing for the benefit of the Liberian people.
Rep. Bility also addressed the executive branch, urging President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his administration to engage constructively in resolving the legislative crisis. He stressed that a functional and harmonious government requires collaboration across all branches to meet the nation’s needs and uphold democratic principles.
His election comes as legislative gridlock has eroded public confidence in the government. Rep. Bility made a heartfelt appeal to his colleagues to set aside personal ambitions, egos, and power struggles, emphasizing that the people of Liberia are the ultimate casualties of their disunity. He called for a renewed focus on collective goals, reminding members that their primary allegiance is to their constituents and the nation.
Throughout his speech, Bility reiterated his commitment to solving the impasse without compromising the rule of law. However, he stressed that success would require collective effort, cooperation, and a shared sense of patriotism among all House members.
As the newly elected leader of the 28-member block, Bility faces the monumental task of steering Liberia’s legislature out of its current paralysis. His call for unity and returning to democratic norms resonates with a public eager for stability and progress. His leadership will undoubtedly be tested in the coming weeks as he works to navigate the complexities of Liberia’s political landscape and restore functionality to the House of Representatives.
Liberians now look to their lawmakers to rise above partisanship and prioritize the nation’s needs. With Rep. Bility at the helm, there is cautious optimism that the House of Representatives may finally overcome its divisions and resume its critical role in Liberia’s governance. Whether this optimism will translate into tangible change remains to be seen, but one thing is sure: the people of Liberia are watching closely, expecting accountability, and demanding action.
