By Grace Q. Bryant
Justice Minister Oswald Tweh has officially endorsed the majority’s elected Speaker Richard Koon’s leadership by affirming the validity of its legislative activities conducted in the House of Representatives.
Minister Tweh, on behalf of the Boakai-led government, made the pronouncement during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday in what appeared to give clearer meaning to the recent Supreme Court ruling on the constitutional requirements for conducting plenary sessions.
According to the Minister, the Court’s opinion confirmed that the majority in the House of Representatives is within its legal rights to convene sessions and make binding decisions; provided they adhere to constitutional and legislative rules.
“The Supreme Court’s analysis explicitly supports the notion that decisions made by a majority-led plenary, provided they meet the outlined legal requirements, are valid and enforceable,” Minister Tweh reiterated.
He emphasized that this endorsement extends to the ongoing budgetary process, which he described as “entirely within legal bounds.”
Minister Tweh elaborated that the budget process being conducted by the majority meets the legal and constitutional standards set by the Supreme Court pointing out, “Budgetary processes can be lawfully carried out by the majority members of the House of Representatives, as long as they follow the standards set forth by the Supreme Court; any decisions made under these parameters are constitutional, legal, and binding.”
He encouraged citizens to remain calm and avoid inciting violence, noting that unrest could harm Liberia’s efforts to attract investment and achieve national objectives adding, “This government will not tolerate actions detrimental to the peace and progress of our country.”
Responding to concerns about the deployment of Liberian National Police (LNP) officers at the Capitol Building, Minister Tweh explained that the police acted to prevent potential threats to life and property.
“The police are under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice and only act when there is a perceived danger. Their presence at the Capitol was a preventive measure to ensure the safety of lawmakers and maintain order,” he added.
He acknowledged concerns raised by some legislators about heightened tensions but assured the public that the police’s actions were guided by a commitment to maintaining peace.
Minister Tweh called for unity and adherence to the rule of law, urging citizens to rely on legal mechanisms rather than resorting to disruptive behavior noting, “We plead with all Liberians to avoid incitement or actions that could lead to violence. Peace and stability are critical for our nation’s progress.”
Meanwhile, the Liberian Senate has officially endorsed Koon as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Announcing the Senate’s decision, Senate Pro-Temp, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, announced that the Senate decided to endorse the opinion of the Justice Minister by recognizing the majority sitting during its leadership meeting yesterday, December 10, 2024.
“Distinguished colleagues and the public, I would like to inform you all that the Liberian Senate, during its consultative meeting voted to uphold the opinion of the Justice Minister and Dean of the Supreme Court in the crisis of the House of Representatives, thank you,” she echoed.
The situation has also sparked intense debates and division across the country, with the Margibi and Sinoe County Senators, Nathaniel McGill and Augustine Chea, distancing themselves from their colleagues’ decision, describing it as an attack on the country’s democracy.
Addressing a news conference yesterday, Sen. McGill noted, “While I respect the decision of my colleagues, I believe that we must prioritize the Constitution of this Country and the respect for the Rule of Law.”
“Because, the people who elected us deserve a government that works together for their benefit, not one that is mired in conflict and division and bent on violating the constitution and every statute of this nation,” McGill added.
The Senate’s Committee Chairperson on Judiciary, Chea said, “I want to publicly reject the decision of this body because I was not in that meeting and did not sign up for this.”
“I also want to publicly reject the opinion of the Justice Minister which I believe is a misinterpretation of the Supreme Court’s ruling; this action today has set a bad precedence and has also sent a clear message internationally that we do not respect our high court,” he added.
In a related development, it was also observed by our reporter that all escort vehicles previously assigned to the embattled Speaker Koffa were withdrawn and Koffa left the premises of the Capitol without any state security.
