Liberia: Sen. Findley Criticizes Senate over Recognition of Koon’s Speakership, Support to Majority Bloc - FrontPageAfrica

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Monrovia—Senator Gbenzohngar Milton Findley, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Revenue, has publicly distanced himself from the decision made by the majority of his Senate colleagues to uphold the Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh’s interpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling concerning the recognition of Speaker Richard Koon and his majority bloc in the House of Representatives.

By: Obediah Johnson, obediah.jonson@fontpageafricaonline.com

In a statement made following Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence’s announcement last Tuesday, Findley expressed concerns over the Senate’s involvement in a crisis that he believes has not yielded any productive results. 

He emphasized that the Senate should have remained neutral in the matter, as its recognition of one faction has failed to resolve the ongoing impasse in the House.

“The action of the Senate to recognize a particular side of the House has not yielded any fruitful results to amicably settle the matter,” Findley stated in an exclusive interview at his office in Monrovia. “The stalemate still persists.”

The Supreme Court’s ruling, which addressed a case filed by embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa against the “Majority Bloc” of the House, has led to a severe escalation of tensions, including physical confrontations among lawmakers and staff. 

Minister Tweh’s interpretation of the ruling suggested that the majority members of the House met the legal requirements to hold sessions and make decisions, which Findley criticized.

He further noted that the current Senate action contradicts a previous decision made on November 26, when the Senate resolved not to conduct business with either side of the House until the crisis was resolved. “We should have stayed completely out of it,” he remarked, stressing that mediation attempts by the Senate were unsuccessful.

Senator Findley raised questions about why the Senate did not hold a recorded vote on this latest decision, as was done previously. 

“That question is to the leadership of the Senate; I think they will be the most appropriate persons to answer that,” he said.

Regarding the assertion that the budget must be passed urgently to avoid a national shutdown, Senator Findley dismissed this claim, arguing that existing laws provide for the continuation of government operations even in the absence of an approved budget. 

“One-twelfth of the previous budget will apply, so the country would not shut down because of the budget not passing,” he explained.

In response to speculation that Senators may have been bribed to support the Majority Bloc, Findley rejected the notion, stating, “I don’t think my colleagues will take any kind of inducement.” He maintained that individual Senators have a right to make decisions based on the interests of their constituents.

Findley also condemned the involvement of police at the Capitol during recent clashes as an overreach. “The seat of the Liberian Legislature is not a station for LNP officers,” he asserted, demanding accountability regarding who invited law enforcement to the premises.

On the issue of the Supreme Court ruling, Findley noted that the interpretation provided by Minister Tweh was advisory and not binding on the Legislature. He called for clarity from the Supreme Court regarding its decision to ensure all parties can move forward effectively.

In conclusion, Senator Findley reiterated the need for a diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis within the House of Representatives, emphasizing the importance of respecting any definitive ruling from the Supreme Court, which he regards as the final arbiter of justice in Liberia.