By Grace Q. Bryant
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Thomas Fallah, has proposed a retreat aimed at addressing divisions within the House and fostering collaboration among lawmakers and staff.
Speaking during the House’s closing session yesterday, Fallah stressed that the retreat is essential to “amend the broken wounds” and promote a unified approach to legislative responsibilities in 2025.
He explained that the retreat would serve as a platform to establish policies and priorities for 2025, while also emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration as lawmakers prepare for heated debates and legislative sessions in the months ahead.
The retreat, proposed to the leadership of the Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, is designed to go beyond addressing lawmakers’ concerns.
Fallah highlighted the importance of including clerical and administrative staff in the initiative, emphasizing that the retreat should not focus solely on funding for lawmakers.
The Deputy Speaker described retreats as a common practice across government branches, emphasizing their role in fostering dialogue and strategizing for the future.
“The essence of a retreat is to meet, discuss issues, and chart a way forward. There will always be challenges, but our ability to address them together is what matters,” he remarked.
He underscored the retreat as an opportunity to review policies, set leadership priorities, and strategize for the year ahead.
By including staff members, Fallah hopes to create a collaborative environment that addresses both legislative and administrative challenges.
“This initiative is an opportunity for general reconciliation and collaboration. We can transform our differences into strengths and pledge unwavering support to the other branches of government the Executive and Judiciary as well as our local counterparts,” he said.
He urged his colleagues to prioritize collaboration for the benefit of the Liberian people, noting, “We can have a general reconciliation and transform our differences.”
Fallah also stressed the importance of lawmakers working harmoniously with the Executive and Judiciary branches, as well as collaborating with local government counterparts.
He encouraged representatives to use their time during the recess to engage meaningfully with their constituencies and return prepared for the House’s regular session on January 13, 2025.
He called on lawmakers to set aside past conflicts and prioritize the nation’s welfare, “Liberia is all we have. This is not about winning or losing; it’s about putting the interest of our country first.”
Acknowledging past tensions and debates within the House, Fallah called for reconciliation and a renewed focus on collective goals.
He welcomed the return of previously absent lawmakers and expressed optimism about improved participation in the upcoming session.
Fallah reassured Liberians that despite challenges, the House of Representatives remains committed to serving the nation and addressing the needs of its citizens.
“We have an obligation to the people we serve. Let us approach this new journey in 2025 with renewed dedication and purpose,” he said.
He added, “These challenges are not unique to the 55th Legislature. In the end, we must trash out our differences and move forward together.”
Deputy Speaker Fallah concluded by reiterating lawmakers’ obligation to the Liberian people. “We took an oath to serve, and we must remain dutiful in following the common good of the people,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the House’s ability to overcome challenges and foster unity, Fallah reaffirmed his commitment to working toward a stronger and more united legislature in 2025.
Meanwhile, Rep. Prince Toles has written to the plenary, urging the body to lift the suspension of seven colleagues for the month of December 2024.
In his communication, Toles cited President Joseph Boakai’s intervention and referenced Article 50 of the Liberian Constitution to justify the request.
“As we have entered the festive season, a time dedicated to family and community support, I strongly advocate for our colleagues to receive their full salaries and benefits for December 2024, after which their suspensions can resume in January 2025,” Toles wrote.
He emphasized that such a gesture would enable the suspended lawmakers to fulfill their responsibilities to their families, communities, and constituents during the festive season.
“This action would not only reflect our commitment to supporting one another as colleagues but also embody the values of empathy, unity, and solidarity that we, as representatives of the people, hold dear,” he added.
However, four lawmakers who are aligning with Speaker Koffa’s faction yesterday joined the majority of their colleagues to close the first session of the 55th Legislature.
The lawmakers are Rep. Sumo Mulbah (CDC, District 3, Montserrado County), Rep. Priscilla Cooper (District 5, Montserrado County), Ellen Attoh Wreh (District 3, Margibi Co.), and Romeo Quioh (District 1, Sinoe County).
