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Home Politics

Rep. Cooper, three lawmakers rejoin majority bloc

by Gibson Gee
January 7, 2025
in Politics
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Rep. Cooper, three lawmakers rejoin majority bloc

MONROVIA – Montserrado County District 5 Representative Prescilla Cooper has rejoined the Majority Bloc, just a month after withdrawing and siding with embattled Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. She returned during Monday’s closing session of the first legislative year, alongside three other lawmakers.

Cooper’s return marks yet another twist in her political stance. Just a month ago, she parted ways with the Majority Bloc, citing alleged irregularities, including illegal sittings and the absence of due process within the group. Her departure at the time was perceived as a stand for procedural integrity and was interpreted as a boost to Koffa’s faction. However, her decision to rejoin the bloc has reignited discussions about her political consistency and motivations.

Joining her in re-aligning with the Majority Bloc are Representatives Sumo Mulbah (CDC, District #3, Montserrado County), Priscilla Cooper (District #5, Montserrado County), Ellen Attoh Wreh (District #3, Margibi County), and Romeo Quioh (District #1, Sinoe County). These four lawmakers, who previously supported embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa’s faction, announced their realignment during the final sitting of the first session of the 55th Legislature.

Cooper has so far declined to comment on her decision, leaving observers speculating about the rationale behind her latest political pivot. This silence has only fueled questions about her long-term loyalty to the Majority Bloc and whether her realignment will endure.

Political analysts have been critical of Cooper’s repeated changes in allegiance. “Her frequent shifts suggest opportunism rather than principle,” one analyst remarked. “These actions erode trust and raise doubts about her dependability as a lawmaker.”

For Koon whose Speakership is still being challenged, the growing number of lawmakers returning to the Majority Bloc bolsters his leadership.

The House of Representatives remains deeply fractured, with shifting loyalties.

Over the weekend, 28 lawmakers formed what they now term as the ‘Rule of Law Caucus’ with a mission to “return the House of to constitutional rule”.

The dissenting lawmakers over the weekend convened and elected Representative Musa Bility (Nimba, District 7) as leader of their caucus, previously known as the “Minority/Koffa Bloc.” The group is expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday to address several contentious issues, including the passage of the Draft 2025 National Budget under Koon’s leadership on December 20, 2024, which was later concurred by the Liberian Senate. “We all saw how the budget was passed. You must be kidding to handle a national budget like that—no due diligence, no proper scrutiny, and some line agencies weren’t even called to defend their budgets,” said a member of the Rule of Law Caucus, who requested anonymity.

In his first statement since his election as leader of the Rule of Law Caucus, Musa Bility expressed both gratitude and a vision for resolving the impasse. “Yesterday, I was deeply honored to be unanimously elected as the head of the 28-member block in the House of Representatives, based on the recommendation of Speaker Fonati Koffa. This decision, taken by my colleagues who chose to stand by the law, is a profound moment for me, my family, and my district. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues for trusting me to lead during this crucial time in our nation’s history.”

He continued, “The challenges before us as leaders of this country are immense, and the leadership of the House of Representatives is facing significant trials. I am fully aware of the burden placed on me by this responsibility, and I embrace it with commitment and resolve. My focus will be to restore normalcy to the House and ensure that every representative can carry out their constitutional duty to represent their people effectively.”

Bility also extended an olive branch to his opponents in the House, urging all members to reflect on the crisis’s impact on governance. “While it is true that we, the 28 members, have not been able to attain quorum to conduct regular legislative business, our colleagues, on the other hand, have also been unable to secure the requisite number of members needed to remove the Speaker or reconstitute committees legally. These actions have been taken without fulfilling the proper legal requirements. The inability of both blocks to legally function should serve as a catalyst to unite us.”

Calling on all members to prioritize national interests over personal gains, Bility warned of the consequences of prolonged division. “Our primary oversight responsibility has been the most significant casualty during this crisis. The executive branch has operated without checks and balances for three months, leaving our people vulnerable. It is time to return to work, resolve our differences, and restore the integrity of this honorable body.”

He urged the President and the Executive to engage sincerely in resolving the crisis. “A crisis in one branch of government weakens the entire system. The people of Liberia deserve a government that works in harmony to address their needs and move the country forward. My colleagues have entrusted me with the task of ending this impasse. I pledge to work tirelessly to find a solution without compromising the rule of law. But I cannot do it alone. I ask for your cooperation, patriotism, and love for our country. Let us restore democracy, normalcy, and the people’s confidence in their government.”

Tags: Majority blocRepresentative Prescilla Cooper
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Gibson Gee

Gibson Gee

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