Published: December 10, 2024
Monrovia – Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill has characterized the Liberian Executive’s backing, through Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh, of the majority bloc in the House of Representatives as a coup against embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
This reaction follows a recent Supreme Court ruling on the legislative impasse, where the Executive Branch, through Cllr. Tweh’s interpretation, affirmed that the Court upheld the validity of all legislative actions by members seeking Speaker Koffa’s removal, stating that they met constitutional requirements.
The Justice Minister and Attorney General, in his opinion, argued that the majority members of the House adhered to the criteria outlined in the Court’s ruling.
“Constitutes a valid, legal and constitutional Plenary of the House of Representatives, as quoted in the Court’s opinion, bring me to the conclusion that the majority members of the House of Representatives met the constitutional requirements explicated by the Supreme Court to hold sessions and take decisions consistent with the laws of the country and the rules of the House of Representatives,” Cllr. Tweh stated in his opinion, released on December 10, 2024.
Cllr. Tweh further emphasized that the majority bloc could legally carry out the budgetary process in line with the Supreme Court’s decision.
Senate Endorses Attorney General’s Opinion
During the 51st Day Sitting of the Liberian Senate on Tuesday, President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence clarified that the Senate had voted to support the Attorney General’s legal opinion. “I thought to make this clear that the Liberian Senate has voted to uphold the opinion of the Attorney General,” she stated.
Senator McGill’s Dissent
Addressing a news conference shortly before the Senate’s 51st Day Sitting, Senator McGill criticized the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for what he described as its failure to adequately manage the House crisis.
“The Executive’s decision is a coup, and the opinion has no serious basis,” McGill asserted. He further noted that the Senate’s majority decision does not align with what he believes to be the proper interpretation of the law.
“This is a recipe for chaos. Our colleagues are saying we should follow the decision despite several violations of our laws,” McGill added.
McGill accused Cllr. Tweh of reducing his constitutional authority to serve the interests of the presidency, rather than the Liberian people. “History will judge Cllr. Tweh,” he lamented, adding that the Senate should have sought further legal opinions instead of solely relying on that of the Attorney General.
CDC’s Position and Allegations of Political Plotting
As Chair of the Legislative Caucus of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), McGill distanced the party from what he termed the unconstitutional removal of Speaker Koffa.
He rejected allegations that the CDC’s national executive committee, including its standard-bearer and former President George Manneh Weah, had been plotting to oust Speaker Koffa. “The CDC remains unhappy with the removal of the Speaker,” McGill declared.
Advocating Against Bad Governance
Senator McGill vowed to continue advocating against what he described as bad governance and alleged constitutional violations by the Executive and members of the 55th Legislature.
He also challenged the international community to take a stance on what he termed unconstitutional acts. “We’re watching whether the international community will support and do business with this unconstitutional body. Sanctions cannot stop me from talking, and I want to be on record that I disagree with this decision of the Senate,” McGill emphasized.
Judiciary Committee Chair Opposes Senate’s Decision
Adding to the dissent, Sinoe County Senator Augustine S. Chea, Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims, and Petitions, also voiced his strong opposition to the Senate’s endorsement of the Attorney General’s opinion.
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