By Amb. Rufus Neufville (former Representative of the House of Representatives)
Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution instructs the President to present the administration’s legislative program for the ensuring session and report on the economic condition of the country.
This program, which takes place on the fourth working Monday in January of each year, is usually characterized by celebration in the presence of international partners.
The Speaker presides over this event. He calls the Special Session to order. The Speaker directs the protocol and entertains all motions, including adjournment.
This simple procedure will get very complicated if two lawmakers continue to battle for legitimacy. Representative Fonati Koffa may rely on the Supreme Court opinion to demand the gavel.
Representative Richard Koon, on the other hand, may exert his authority on three grounds: (1) support from the majority including the Deputy Speaker, (2) the concurrence of the Senate, and (3) the unwavering backing of the Executive Branch
If this impasse persists up to the SONA, the military will have no option but to take control and enforce order. The military has the power to remove officials from the hall for disruptive behavior.
Have you wondered why the Sergeant at Arms at the House of Representatives is a Brigadier General? Is it not concerning that an ordinary police officer is not playing that role? Why the military?
A Brigadier General is above a Colonel and below a Major General. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000 troops (two regiments or four battalions).
The Sergeant at Arms can remove a lawmaker from the session for bad behavior. If a Cabinet Minister is sentenced to prison for contempt of the Legislature, he will be escorted by the Sergeant at Arms. If Officials refuse to appear before the body, the Sergeant at Arms can get him.
During normal legislative activities, the Speaker or presiding officer may direct the General in keeping with the Rules of the House. However, most military analysts believe that in times of crisis the Brigadier General must take orders from the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia. Article 50.
It is therefore safe to say that in case of confusion or tussle over the gavel at the SONA, the military will take over and enforce good behavior. The officer in charge is the Sergeant at Arms.
