By Grace Q. Bryant
The presiding of the House of Representatives yesterday refused to entertain a messy plenary during the opening of the special session when some members in attendance indecently dressed in yellow T-shirts with a bold inscription “War and Economic Crimes Court is a Must,” while the deliberation was ongoing.
The Speaker, Fonati Koffa called the session to order but due to the disruption of the representatives when District 3 Representative Sumo K. Mulbah and District 3 Representative Jacob C. Debee, all new lawmakers on the ticket of the Coalition of Democratic Change, appeared in the sacred chambers with a bag filled of the T-shirts and began distributing same without any notification to the presiding or respect to their colleagues, the Speaker abruptly halted the day’s proceeding using his gavel.
The striking attire sparked immediate controversy, leading to a premature adjournment which Representative Musa Bility immediately registered disagreement thereby denouncing the adjournment as premature.
The T-shirt slogan highlights a contentious issue that has been simmering within the legislative body; the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court to address past atrocities and corruption.
The session’s adjournment underscores the deep divisions and passionate debates surrounding the issue.
While some members advocate for swift action to address historical injustices, others express reservations about the potential implications and complexities of such a court.
The spectacle of representatives donning advocacy-driven attire serves as a vivid reminder of the weighty responsibilities and divergent perspectives that shape legislative discourse in the nation’s capital.
As tensions simmer, the question of accountability and justice remains at the forefront of political discourse, promising continued deliberation and debate in the days to come.
According to Rep. Yekeh Kolubah, “I fought a war that is why I want the War Crimes Court. For 30 days, I and 40 other Lawmakers will wear orange T-shirts depicting the War Crimes Court establishment.
He also gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to finally approve the court’s establishment, threatening to lock all entrances of the Capitol Building if the government fails to heed the warning.
He stressed that the War Crime Court is important to give justice to victims around the county.
