GBARNGA — Bong County Electoral District #5 Representative Eugine JM Kollie has confirmed receiving an invitation to attend President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for Monday, January 27, 2025, on the grounds of the Capitol. However, the lawmaker has declined to attend, citing concerns over what he describes as a process “marred by unconstitutionality.”
In a statement released to his constituents and the public, Rep. Kollie addressed the issue, stating:
“Fellow Liberians, members of the international community, our supporters, critics, fellow Bongese, and distinguished people of our beloved Suakoko-Yellequelleh Electoral District #5, I am pleased to inform you that I have received an official invitation to the planned State of the Nation Address. However, as a lawmaker elected to uphold and protect the rule of law, I have made the decision to decline this invitation, terming the process as unlawful.”
The Bong County lawmaker emphasized that participating in what he perceives to be an illegal process would contradict the trust placed in him by his constituents.
“I believe that forming part of any illegal process squarely contravenes the essence of my election by the law-abiding people of District #5, Bong County,” Rep. Kollie stated.
The lawmaker also disclosed that, as a member of the “Rule of Law Caucus,” he and others have chosen to boycott President Boakai’s SONA. They argue that the President violated the Constitution and the rules of the Honorable House of Representatives by endorsing what they describe as the illegal installation of Representative Richard Nagbe Koon as Speaker of the 55th Legislature.
Rep. Kollie is one of 28 lawmakers opposing the removal of former Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa. This group has consistently resisted what they view as an unconstitutional act.
Encouraging his supporters to remain calm amid the ongoing challenges, Rep. Kollie reassured the citizens of District #5 of his commitment to the rule of law.
“Whatever is done unlawfully isn’t done at all,” he remarked, promising to remain steadfast in his defense of constitutional principles.
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