Monrovia, Liberia – The leadership of the House of Representatives has been given a directive to investigate an appeal to lift the suspension of seven members and to report back to the plenary for further action. This decision was made during the 5th Day sitting of the 1st quarter of the 2nd session of the 55th Legislature, which took place on Tuesday, January 28. The motion was sparked by a communication from Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh of Sinoe County Electoral District #1, who urged his colleagues to reconsider the suspension of the members in an effort to better serve the interests of the Liberian people.
In his address, Hon. Quioh expressed regret over the leadership crisis that had plagued the Legislature, which resulted in the suspension of the seven lawmakers. The crisis, he argued, had left a damaging mark on the institution and undermined the legislative process. While acknowledging the need for accountability, Quioh stressed that healing divisions and fostering unity should be a priority. “The consequences of this suspension have affected our ability to represent our constituencies effectively,” Quioh said. He argued that the division caused by the suspension disrupted the collaborative spirit necessary for the House to carry out its duties in the best interest of the nation.
The suspended members—Hon. Marvin Cole, Hon. Abu Bana Kamara, Hon. Edward Papie Flomo, Hon. Frank Saah Foko Jr., Hon. Alex Noah, Hon. Zinnah Norman, and Hon. Eugine Kollie—have been unable to fulfill their roles in the Legislature, further deepening the rift among lawmakers. Quioh pointed out that these suspensions had stalled the work of the legislature and hampered the development of initiatives crucial to the nation’s progress. He called for a shift in focus from internal conflict to addressing the pressing issues facing the country.
“The House must now focus on healing and restoring the trust of the public,” Quioh added, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and inclusivity in the legislative body. His appeal reflects a desire for the Legislature to move past past divisions and work together to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
In response to the communication, the plenary instructed the leadership to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, with the aim of presenting a well-informed recommendation for legislative action. The investigation is seen as a crucial step toward mending the fractures within the House and rebuilding public trust.
