Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Information Minister, Jerolinmek Mathew Piah, has added his voice to many who expressed concerns over the legislative gridlock, stressing the potentially crippling effects on government operations.
Minister Piah disclosed via State Radio on Monday, November 11, 2024, that while the Executive Branch, led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has exercised caution to avoid overstepping its authority, the lack of resolution of the impasse in the House of Representatives risks paralyzing key national government’s functions.
“If this gridlock in the Legislature persists, it could impact the broader government’s operations,” he stated.
The standoff began when President Boakai initially decided to submit the budget proposal to House Speaker, Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, only to encounter resistance as the two opposing groups in the House vied for recognition and control.
A group of 43 lawmakers has since called for the removal of Speaker Koffa in October, while 30 lawmakers are declaring their colleagues’ move as unconstitutional and abuse of the House’s rules.
Separate sessions have been held in both the Joint and main chambers of House.
The conflict escalated when Speaker Koffa’s supporters sought intervention from the Supreme Court of Liberia, raising legal and constitutional stakes and creating an unprecedented situation within Liberia’s Legislative Branch.
The judiciary’s role in this crisis became more significant when the Supreme Court Justice in Chamber ordered the ‘majority bloc’ to follow the rule of law.
However, Minister Piah told the public that the Executive Branch has expressed “grave concern” over the legislative turmoil, acknowledging the dilemma it poses for the “Rescue Mission” in upholding the separation of powers while ensuring effective governance.
Piah: “The President has been acting cautiously not to be seen as taken any side. Once the court got involved and whatever action the court took is of no secret. We have been careful not to intervene but that doesn’t mean we are not concerned. Minister Piah: “Do we want to see them resolve their issues? Yes.”
The President has turned to legal experts for guidance, underscoring his commitment to respecting constitutional boundaries and maintaining the integrity of Liberia’s democratic institutions.
“The president said in that communication that he’s consulting legal expects on how to proceed further because once should be cautioned about anything that amounts to illegality because it exacerbates the situation,” Piah disclosed.
Adding a regional dimension to the crisis, an ECOWAS delegation recently arrived in the country to mediate, signaling concern from Liberia’s West African neighbors.
Minister Piah acknowledged ECOWAS’s involvement but questioned whether it signals a new norm for regional bodies intervening in the domestic disputes of sovereign nations.
“Is this a new normal?” Piah asked, cautioning against setting a precedent that could undermine Liberia’s sovereignty.
The Information Minister: “If the President was having issues with some cabinet ministers, will ECOWAS send delegation to come to take care of that? They came to work with the Legislature. It is their call. They will decide whether that is ok for them. It should not have a connotation that someone else helping them to govern.”
Piah: “The delay in the budget process threatens to stall critical government functions, including the ability to address pressing national issues and fulfill budgetary priorities.”
Despite these efforts, Liberia remains in a state of uncertainty.
