Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Representative Alexander Poure (District #1, River Gee County) has launched a campaign to exert more pressure on President George Weah to appoint an Ombudsman for the Code of Conduct.
Rep. Poure’s first move is a communication to the Plenary of the House of Representatives, seeking its approval to invite President Weah to state reasons why he has not appointed an ombudsman to ensure adherence of the Code of Conduct (COC).
But he said House Speaker Bhofal Chambers has refused to place his letter on the floor for discussion and subsequent action.
When contacted, the political officer in the office of the Speaker, George Watkins said Rep. Poure’s communication was acknowledged and forwarded to the House’s leadership to make a decision.
The Code of Conduct (COC) was enacted into law in 2014 to guide all public officials and employees in order to demonstrate integrity and confidence in the public service as per the Constitution of Liberia. Special provisions of the law, specifically session 5.1, disallows and bars public officials appointed by the President from participating in political campaign, canvassing or contesting for elected offices.
Additionally, the provision also disallows officials from using government facilities, equipment or resources in support of partisans or political activities. It spells out that any Minister, Deputy Minister, Director-General, Managing Director and Superintendent appointed by the President and who desires to contest for public office shall resign said post at least two years prior to the date of the election.
The law then empowers the President to appoint Ombudsman to safeguard its adherence by receiving and investigating complaints against public officials on alleged violations.
Since its establishment, Rep. Poure said the law has been constantly violated because of successive Presidents’ refusal to appoint the Ombudsman.
“By inference, I am inclined with a conclusion that these violations against the Code of Conduct are attributed to the President of the Republic of Liberia’s refusal to appoint an Ombudsman. The former President, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf reneged on appointing an Ombudsman and now President George Manneh Weah,” he said.
He continues: “I am pleased to request the approval that Plenary of the House of Representatives invites the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency George Manneh Weah to appear in order to explain to the House’s Plenary why he has not appointed an Ombudsman that is charged with the responsibility to monitor, evaluate and receive complaints on alleged violation against the law.”
“Protecting President Weah”
For several days since the inception of the House’s fourth session, Representative Poure is often seen waving his hands during the adoption of plenary’s agenda, but cannot be recognized by the Speaker. When questioned by reporters why he is often snubbed by the Speaker in session, Rep. Poure accused the presiding officer of denying him and by extension, the House of Representatives of exercising its oversight responsibility by shielding the President from being questioned for his failure to perform one of his cardinal duties.
He said for too long the law has been violated, as evidence of the recent Special Senatorial Elections, when government’s assets such as vehicles and facilities were used for political campaign.
“I am pleased to request the approval that Plenary of the House of Representatives invites the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency George Manneh Weah to appear in order to explain to the House’s Plenary why he has not appointed an Ombudsman that is charged with the responsibility to monitor, evaluate and receive complaints on alleged violation against the law.”
– Representative Alexander Poure (District #1, River Gee County)
“The buses that were donated by the Indian Government to the Government and People of Liberia, managed by the National Transit Authority are seen in political campaigns, transporting supporters and members of political parties to political rallies at the disadvantage of students, commuters and generally the Liberian Populace.”
Speaker Chambers has often been criticized for “shielding” members of the Executive from legislative scrutiny. However, there are split opinion over Rep. Poure’s letter inviting the President to Plenary.
A source close to the Speaker, requesting anonymity said the Speaker may have seized his colleague’s letter because it was out of order.
“There is no provision in the Constitution that gives the Legislature the right to summon the President. They are two separate branches of Government,” he said.
“And the Constitution protects the President from being questioned or sued over any action while he is still President, except through an act of impeachment.”
However, Rep. Poure said the Constitution empowers the Legislature to make laws, represents the citizens and provides oversight. Inviting the President, he believes, falls with the Legislature’s function of oversight.
He contended that he is in no error over his communication as there is no clause within the Constitution that prohibit the Legislature from inviting the President. However, if he was in error, the Speaker should do the right thing and place his communication on the floor for Plenary to decide, and not to seize it.