The House of Representatives under the gable of rebel-styled Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has reveals plans to have suspension lifted on some lawmakers, an action taken as a result of events surrounding the removal embattled House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
The Plenary of the House of Representatives has mandated its leadership to probe an appeal to lift the suspension of seven members and report back to it for legislative action.
The decision followed a communication from Sinoe County Electoral District 1 Representative, Thomas Romeo Quioh, who called on his colleagues in session to lift the suspension of the seven members as part of efforts to advance the collective interests of the people they serve at the Legislature.
Quioh said, “The recent leadership crisis that affected our legislature was an unfortunate chapter, and its consequences, including the suspension of seven of our members, have left a significant impact. While I fully acknowledge the importance of accountability and the need to preserve institutional integrity, I believe it is also crucial that we prioritize unity and inclusivity as we move forward.”
He further emphasized that the suspension of these members (Hon. Marvin Cole, Hon. Abu Bana Kamara, Hon. Edward Papie Flomo, Hon. Frank Saah Foko Jr, Hon. Alex Noah, Hon. Zinnah Norman and Hon. Eugine Kollie), has hindered their ability to effectively represent their constituencies and disrupted the collaborative spirit essential to the work of the legislature.
The Sinoe lawmaker said by the House taking such a step, it will demonstrate their commitment to healing divisions, fostering cooperation, and upholding the democratic values that guide their actions.
“Let us seize this opportunity to turn the page and focus on the pressing issues that require our collective attention.” Hon. Quioh’s communication said.
According to information contained in a release issued Thursday, January 30, 2025, the leadership of the House has been tasked to investigate the appeal thoroughly and provide recommendations to the Plenary for appropriate legislative action. The move is seen as a step toward reconciliation and restoring trust within the legislature.
The House of Representatives remains committed to ensuring accountability, unity, and effective representation for all Liberians, the release said.
It can be recalled that the Majority Bloc members of the House of Representatives suspended four lawmakers including Montserrado County District #9 Representative Frank S. Foko, Bong County District #5 Representative Eugene K. M Kollie, Gbarpolu County District # 1 Representative Zinnah Norman and Sinoe County District #3 Representative Alex Noah.
The decision was taken on Thursday, December 12, 2024 in adherence to the House Rules and Procedures, specifically Rule 48.7(c). The suspension of the lawmakers for thirty session days and the affected lawmakers will forfeit all benefits, including salaries and suspended lawmakers by the majority bloc has increased to seven.
Days earlier, Representatives Marvin Cole, Abu Kamara, and Edward Papay Flomo faced similar sanctions for alleged infractions, marking a deepening rift within the House of Representatives.
Nimba County District #2 Representative Nyan Flomo filed a motion indicating that suspended lawmakers should not be seen on the grounds of the Capitol Building for the duration of their suspension.
But speaking with reporters, Representative Eugene Kollie said they will not recognize the suspension because Representative Richard N. Koon is not a speaker.
Representative Kollie alleged that Speaker Koon has written the American Embassy to recognize him as speaker; adding that the embassy declined and sent the letter to the office of embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
For his part, Representative Alex Noah said the majority refused to give Speaker Koffa due process but were now stating a rule to suspend lawmakers.
