By Festus Poquie
A faction of lawmakers fighting to gain control of the country’s budgeting process are facing deadlock in their push to oust the Speaker of the House of Representatives Fonati Koffa.
After nearly 22 days of open rebellion, the group backed by powerful state and non-state actors have spent approximately $2 million United States dollars soliciting signatures, hotel accommodation and other lobbying fees but falling short of the super majority needed to remove an elected Speaker.
The House’s rules and the 1986 Constitution stipulate a two-third majority is needed to unseat the Speaker. With a 73-member- seated House, this means the dissenters need 49 verified signatures to cast vote in open plenary session to execute the removal plot. The numerical strength of the rebel bloc is weakening by the day dropping from the high of 47 in the week of October 15 to 43 at present.
Lacking the numbers, the House dissidents are deliberately staying away from session, impacting quorum while stalling legislative processes and government functionality.
On Tuesday, there was citizens’ protest action in Monrovia, detesting a power struggle that’s holding a nation of 5.5 million people hostage. The protest was however resisted and crushed by a brutal police force, casting dark cloud over the political climate with implications for the domestic economy.
On Monday, grassroots civil society organization Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) alarmed over the worsening social and economic conditions facing the Liberian people as the result of crisis bordering on illicit gains.
With essential services faltering and the potential for a government shutdown looming, STAND urged lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of their constituents over political maneuvering.
The organization condemned the ongoing power struggle among lawmakers, which has led to a legislative stalemate, greatly exacerbating the hardships faced by ordinary Liberians.
With fundamental services like healthcare deteriorating and civil servants struggling to receive their salaries, STAND argues that lawmakers must end their infighting and focus on addressing pressing public needs.
“The legislative deadlock is not just a political issue; it’s a humanitarian crisis,” Mulbah Morlu Chairman of STAND said in a statement Monday in Monrovia.
“As lawmakers engage in their self-serving battles, the everyday lives of the people are being severely impacted. Families are facing skyrocketing electricity costs and dwindling access to essential health services. This status quo is unacceptable.”
Why the House Crisis?
Roll out of reforms in the House of Representatives appears harmful to the financial and political interests of a powerful coalition of lawmakers and politicians who want to keep hold on the spending bill infinito.
This select group, often referred to as the “House Cabal,” includes influential politicians such as Vice President Jeremiah Koung and several ranking senators who have long controlled the national budgeting process earning fortunes.
As Koffa spearheads an anti-corruption and transparency agenda, aiming for sweeping financial reforms, the cabal sees this move as a direct threat to its lucrative influence over appropriations.
Their dominance in the budgeting arena has reportedly earned its members millions over the past decade, and they fear that an impending financial audit could expose potential illegal dealings, endangering their financial stronghold and political ambitions.
With the House probably the only public institution not audited since the return of democratic governance in 2006, the organization is ripe for scrutiny that could uncover shady financial practices. The Vice President, who has political aspirations for the presidential race in 2029, stands to lose significantly if any wrongdoing is unearthed.
Since his entry into the House of Representatives in 2012, Koung has been a key figure in various committees, aligning with powerful allies, including Senators Emmanuel Nuquay and Thomas Fallah.
Following recent presidential elections, Koung’s partnership with the Unity Party had initially raised expectations for a dominant role in governance. However, with current President Boakai firmly in control, Koung finds himself with diminishing power.
