Rebel Lawmakers Bloc Destroyed By Speaker Tyle’s Bloc

The brains behind the purported plot in the house of Representative of the national Legislature to dethrone House Speaker Alex Tyler have been politically smashed to death alive by the heavy bloc backing the speaker. The legislative “rebel” bloc on two separate occasions brought smooth legislative session to a standstill in a fierce means after the disruption of session; reports: Jacob newton, Legislative reporter

The “rebelism” at the Legislature occurred few days following a fist fight at the Ministry of information, cultural and tourism (MICAT) between Minister Lewis Brown and Assistant Minister Ricks Barseegiah. The disgraceful episode drew the attention of dozens of the Ministry’s employees and other guests who had gone to the Ministry that day. Up to date, there has been no presidential action to serve as deterrence to other would-be-fighters in public offices.

While the MICAT fracas was still on the minds and lips of the population, three days after, hell broke loose last Tuesday and Thursday at the house of representative, adjacent the Ministry of Information when seven lawmakers many described as ‘rebel’ lawmakers took the law into their own hands by disrupting normal legislative session in protest that Speaker Tyler recuse himself from proceedings until he submits himself to the Liberia Anti Corruption Commission for investigation.

Seven Lawmakers include Representatives Edwin Snowe, henry Fahnbulleh, Bill Twehway, Isaac Roland, Samuel Korgar, Edward Karfiah, Robertson Siaway, Roland O. Cooper, Mary Karwor and Emmanuel Nuquay, among others.

The seven Lawmakers, in their communication stated that the accusation against the speaker exposes the august body to public scrutiny, given the fact that the entire nationwide consultation was financed by NOCAL in the tune of US$1.2 million.

The Lawmakers asserted that the senate was only given US$200,000 from the amount, leaving the remaining one Million exclusively for the House of Representatives.

“Our records also indicate that all services regarding the nationwide tour consultations were fully financed from this amount. It is also a common cause that legal fees were paid,” they stated.

After session was called to order by the sergeant-at-arms of the House of Representatives Brigadier General Martin Johnson, the speaker proceeded with the session by instructing the chief clerk to proceed with the communications that formed part of the day’s agenda. However, Representative Henry Fahnbulleh (Unity Party, District No. 4, Montserrado County); Rep. Samuel Korgar (NUDP, District No. 5 Nimba) and Rep. Roland “Opee” Cooper (Liberty Party, District No. 1 Margibi County) took to their heels to call the speaker to order.

Rep. Korgar, former co-chair on the Defense and Security Committee of the house now chair by Representatives Bhofal Chambers of Maryland County walked to the Speaker's desk and started smashing the desk of the speaker to draw his attention.

On the other hand, another rebel lawmaker, Roland “Opee” Cooper got into a heated argument with his colleague, Rep. Adam Bill Corneh (District No. 6, NPP, Bong County. Representative Cooper took the law into his own hands when he punched his colleague in the face.

But the Speaker’s supported bloc managed to prevail over the rebel lawmakers whose have withdrawn their letter of January 12, 2015.

In another letter to Tyler, the legislators said “we by this withdraw our letter of January 12, 2015 and give notice that we shall engage the LACC (Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission) and all relevant institutions to ensure that the dignity of this Body remains intact.”

The letter, which was dated January 19, 2015 and read by the Chief Clerk of the Lower House, Mildred Sayon, was signed by Representatives William Twehway, Samuel Kogar, Robertson Siaway, Roland Cooper, Mary Karwor and Isaac Roland.

They also noted that the evidence provided in their first letter that the Speaker being a subject of investigation at the LACC was common knowledge, and hence, there was a need for evidence. Following the reading of the letter, Plenary noted it, thus it was not open for discussion.

It can be recalled that the first sitting of the House of Representatives following its Annual Break on Monday, January 12, was characterized by confusion and disruption based on the demand of a segment of the lawmakers demanding that Tyler recues himself from presiding over session.

Speaker Tyler linked to a probe at the LACC over an alleged scandal involving US$25,000 of money from the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).

Rule 41 of the House of Representatives speaks against the misuse of power given a member of the House by law: “Member shall not use their powers and duties of his/her own advantage or for committing acts of partiality, but for the protection of the interest of the Public and citizens in a just manner,” the rule state.

In a related development, the Liberian Senate is divided over calls for the body to conduct elections for the President Pro-Tempore and other vacancies on Thursday, January 22.

In a communication earlier, Senators Henry Yallah and Peter Coleman of Bong and Grand Kru counties respectively expressed concern about the vacuum created by the results of the December 20 Mid-term Senatorial Elections.

However, upon the reading of the communication dated January 19 by the secretary of the senate, some senators opted for prompt elections, while others urged the body to seek legal advice from the Senate’s counsel Jonathan Williams.

The December 20 Mid-term Senatorial Elections saw the defeat of former Pro-tempore Gbehzongar Findley, Chairpersons on Executive, Clarice Jah; Rules, Order and Administration, Lahai Lansanah and Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, Sumo Kupee.

The senators argued that if there is no President Pro-tempore before the President addresses the nation on Monday, the situation would be unprecedented in the history of the Liberian Senate, while others indicated that the elections could be held anytime within 30 working days.

However, the body’s legal counsel has clarified that the President may deliver her annual message without a seated Pro-tempore, but must have a settled Speaker who will preside on behalf of the joint houses in the joint chambers.

Amidst heated debate, the President of the Senate, Vice President Joseph Boakai tabled further decisions on the elections until Thursday, January 22.