The Alternative National Congress’ (ANC) political leader, Alexander Benedict Cummings, has called on members of the House of Representatives to end the impasse that has “paralyzed” the lower house’s activities.
Under the leadership of Representative Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County District #5, a group of lawmakers opposed to Speaker J. Fonati Koffa have called for his immediate resignation. These lawmakers claim that Speaker Koffa embezzled millions of dollars while serving as Deputy Speaker and as Speaker, accusing him of grave financial mismanagement and corruption.
Since the pro-Koffa and anti-Koffa factions of the House of Representatives continue to hold separate sessions, this conflict has led to a growing breach inside the body. A quorum has not been reached by Koffa’s loyal group for the third week in a row.
Cummings has voiced worry that this deadlock is pushing the nation closer to a possible constitutional and political crisis, which would be detrimental to Liberia’s democracy and economic growth. He pointed out that the House’s internal strife has left the legislative branch of government in a state of operational paralysis.
He noted that both sides have remained firmly committed to their positions in spite of the Supreme Court’s guidance, given at a recent Conference of the Parties in the Chamber of Justice Yemie Gbeisay, asking both factions to settle the dispute amicably and in accordance with due procedure.
Cummings underlined that the impasse threatens the nation’s fledgling democracy and the status quo of the constitution. He called on legislators to uphold the rule of law.
Cummings called on all sides of the House of Representatives disagreement to put the nation’s and the Liberian people’s interests first by looking for solutions through the Constitution and the laws they have vowed to protect and defend.
He added that rather than making the situation more complicated, it is the duty of the Executive and Judiciary branches to find a solution. He ended that a prompt resolution of the legislative branch impasse would not only demonstrate leadership at home but also enhance Liberia’s reputation internationally by proving that it is a responsible member of the international community that can handle its governance issues on its own without outside help.
