IN A MANNER that is self-indicting and far from being evocative of a genuine commitment to the business of lawmaking, members of the House of Representatives of the 55th National Legislature regularly violate their own rules and disrupt sessions when key national debates are before that august body for discussion.
REGULARLY, THE PLENARY becomes so noisy that Speaker Fonati Koffa loses control while asking lawmakers for silence. Even when witnesses, mostly cabinet officials, are invited and seated before them, members interrupt proceedings with noise that lasts indefinitely. Even the Speaker’s gavel, at times, becomes powerless.
ONE NOTABLE INSTANCE occurred during the recent appearance of top cabinet officials, including Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Sylvester Grigsby and Minister of State without Portfolio Mamaka Bility, to discuss the government’s acquisition of 285 earth-moving equipment. This was a critical issue that the public eagerly anticipated via various Facebook live feeds, especially amid criticisms from some lawmakers who questioned the procurement process.
INSTEAD, LAWMAKERS DISRUPTED the session, prompting calls from Rep. Thomas Goshua (District #5, Grand Bassa County) for the Speaker to enforce the House’s Rules and take action against those disrupting the session.
WE DO NOT believe that lawmakers are paid millions of taxpayers’ money just to assemble and make noise, especially when critical issues are before them for discussion.
TO PUT IT plainly, members of the 55th National Legislature are becoming an embarrassment not only to Liberia but also to democracy as a form of government.
IN THE EYES of the citizens whose taxes sustain the lawmakers for six years, the repeated disruptive actions of the lawmakers starkly illustrate how they shirk their responsibilities of making laws for society.
THIS IS AN embarrassment. The sad fact remains that they could have done much more if they had devoted their time to the business of lawmaking, oversight and representation for which they were elected into the National Legislature.
FOR LIBERIANS, THE attitude of the lawmakers is a sad reminder of the need for them to be more careful about those they elect to represent them. To have effective representation that would better their lot, Liberians must choose those with the right qualities, those who understand and have the capacity for the rigor of lawmaking that would contribute to national development and improve the lives of the citizens.
THE CURRENT SET of representatives should see the attitude of their predecessors as a shame that should never be brought upon Liberians again. The country’s dire situation requires lawmakers who are genuinely committed to finding solutions to problems and making life worth living for the citizens. Members of the 55th National Legislature must be true agents of change.