By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberian political landscape has been rattled by rumors suggesting that FIFA convicted Musa Bility is being considered as a potential candidate for the prestigious position of Speaker in the country’s House of Representatives.
With two months to the official opening of the 55th Legislature, the race to determine who will become the country’s next Speaker is said to be gaining more momentum, with several prominent names emerging as potential contenders for the position.
The leadership of Current Speaker, Bhofal Chambers, who got defeated during the just ended October 10 Polls by former student leader, Anthony Williams, will expire next month, giving way for the election of a new speaker and deputy speaker of the Legislature.
The Speakership position is the third highest position in the country’s governing process.
The Speaker is the head of the National Legislature and presiding officer of the House of Representatives, overseeing the legislative affairs of the country.
In ensuring proper governance, the Speaker position also holds significant importance in the Liberian political landscape and further oversees the day-to-day operations of the House, playing a crucial role in shaping policy and legislation of the country.
Historically, the process of selecting a Speaker has often been subject to keen interest, coupled with the Presidential influence, including intense lobbying amongst the Representatives themselves.
Furthermore, selecting a Speaker involves an internal election within the House, where sitting Representatives cast their votes for the candidates of their choice, after which he/she then names members of the different committees of that body.
Bility was elected during the just ended October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections as Representative of Nimba County District 7, on the ticket of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).
Since his election, the businessman turned politician’s name has been heard across the political corridors of the country as one of the main contenders for the country’s Speaker position in January of 2024.
In a recent podcast, Bility, congratulating the President-elect, Joseph Boakai, announced his ambition to contest for the country’s Speakership, disclosing that his decision followed after 20 of his prospective colleagues petitioned him to contest.
He said, “After being engaged by 20 of my colleagues and having had consultation with my party, constituents, and family, I have agreed and resolved to contest for the Speakership of the 55th National Legislature.”
“So, I call on all lawmakers to support this endeavor because I’m a team player and a man with an impeccable character, and with me as your next Speaker, I assure you all of a unified, people-centered, and robust Legislature,” the CPP Chairman added.
The Representative-elect, also former president of the Liberian Football Association (LFA), has had a controversial past that has haunted his character and political influence for years.
In 2013, Bility was convicted by FIFA’s Ethics Committee for engaging in acts of corruption during his tenure as the head of the LFA. The charges included embezzlement of funds and bribery, thus resulting in a ban from all football-related activities for a specified period.
As the country and its citizenry prepare for the election of a new Speaker in 2024, there is a great deal of speculation surrounding all the presumptive candidates and their suitability to the role.
However, the prospect of Bility becoming Speaker has sharply divided public opinion, with some of his supporters arguing that everyone, like Bility, deserves a chance and opportunity to his/her country in a different capacity of choice.
According to them, Bility’s experience in football administration could bring fresh perspectives and effective leadership and highlight the need for rehabilitation, arguing that his conviction in the football arena should not disqualify him from serving as Speaker.
On the other hand, Bility’s critics have expressed, with grave concerns, the message it sends to the international community, and questioned whether Bility’s tarnished reputation will undermine the country’s credibility.
They emphasize the importance of upholding ethical standards and argue that electing someone with a criminal conviction to such a prominent position would damage the country’s image and potentially hinder progress in combating corruption at large.
A prominent Liberian Journalist, Gideon Scott, giving his perspective about the debate, stressed that electing a Speaker with a criminal conviction for corruption, would undoubtedly have political ramifications.
According to him, the Liberian society has been working tirelessly to combat corruption and restore faith in its governance, and as such, choosing an individual known for his involvement in corruption may undermine these efforts and provoke public outrage.
Meanwhile, with the diverse views about the matter, the decision now rests with members of the House of Representatives, as they all bear the responsibility of selecting a candidate who exemplifies integrity and transparency to serve the greater population.
As the nation stands at this pivotal juncture, it is crucial for the retained and newly elected Representatives to consider both the short-term and long-term consequences of their choice.
