Monrovia, Liberia – The former standard bearer of the historic True Wing Party has emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the majority and minority blocs in the House of Representatives.
While it considers Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa’s appeal against his removal, the Supreme Court ordered the House of Representatives majority group to halt all activities and restore the status quo on Friday, November 22, 2024.
In a writ, the Supreme Court ordered the majority bloc, led by Representative Richard Koon of Montserrado County, to stop all further action until the issue is settled and instructed the Justice Minister and the House of Representatives members involved in the dispute to submit their answers by November 26, 2024.
On November 21,2024, the majority bloc controversially met in the legislature’s combined chambers, proclaimed the Speaker’s position empty, and elected Representative Koon as the new Speaker, further exacerbating the leadership problem.
Dr. Eric Olson stated during a news conference in Monrovia over the weekend that Liberia’s democracy is still in its infancy and that negotiations are possible to break the parliamentary impasse.
Without a doubt, Dr. Olson, who has been mediating between the two blocs in a calm manner, stated that the lawmakers should not let their personal dissatisfaction to override the national peace.
“Even though we acknowledge the independence of the three branches of government, this cannot prevent the executive branch of government from calming the storm. The two groups are not independent and rely on each other to conduct the people’s business”
He asserted that opposing opinions are one thing, but applying the law both inside and outside of the country’s legal framework is quite another.
“We are still hoping to have talks with both blocs because if the two groups continue to stall the country’s legislative business, it will be disastrous for the country.”
There is never a dispute that has no end, according to Dr. Olson, and the parliamentary issue shouldn’t be an exception because it is not providing a positive example for the next generation.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
