CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia – Plenary of the House of Representatives has issued an arrest warrant for Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah, Jr. after he failed to honor the House’s contempt invitation.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
Minister Tweah was expected to appear along with his principal deputies on Tuesday this week to continue the deliberation of several national issues of concerns, among them the pending draft national budget for fiscal year 2024. However, he did not show up, nor send a representative or a written excuse.
The House became furious and sent him another invitation, this time asking him to appear along with his lawyer on Thursday, December 7 to state why he should not be held in contempt for refusing their invitation. He again did not attend. The House then sent its Sergeant-at arms to search for him, but he was not found.
Plenary then, acting on a motion proffered by Rep. Francis S. Nyumalin, declared the Finance Minister as wanted and ordered the sergeant-at-arms to arrest him. The Ministry of Justice was also asked to help the Sergeant-at-arms if the need arises to arrest the Minister. The motion also called on the security apparatus to arrest Minister Tweah whenever he is seen and identified and be detained until next week Monday to be turned over to the House in a special session.
Deputy Speaker Fonati Koffa who presided on Thursday, speaking to reporters after the adjournment, said the decision is in line with the House’s rules.
Rep. Nyumalin said he was not surprised by the Minister’s action as he has consistently disrespected the House on several occasions.
Minister Tweah has come under growing pressure from the Legislature over the executive’s failure to submit the draft budget for FY2024 within the constituted timeframe.
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