By By: Alphanso G Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – Nimba County District 7 Representative and Chairman of the Rules and Order Caucus of the Minority Bloc, Musa Hassan Bility, has called on lawmakers in the majority bloc to recognize what he describes as the “illegality” of their current actions in the wake of the ongoing leadership dispute in the House of Representatives.
Bility’s statement comes after a recent clarification by Associate Justice Yamie Gbeisay in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter. While Gbeisay spoke without the full bench, Bility emphasized that his opinion carries weight, given that he was one of the justices who signed the ruling governing the current legislative situation.
“We sought the court’s interpretation, and we have received that clarity. The court’s ruling has made it clear that even with a quorum, the House cannot function without a duly elected Speaker,” Bility stated.
He acknowledged that the minority bloc does not have the numbers to make binding decisions but insisted that all lawmakers must act within the boundaries of the law.
“This is an opportunity to resolve our differences lawfully, responsibly, and honorably. We must rise above partisanship and act in the best interest of the people who elected us,” he urged.
Bility warned that any decisions taken outside of the legal framework violate the Constitution and could further deepen the crisis. He called for immediate dialogue to resolve the leadership dispute, stressing that lawmakers have a duty not just to represent their constituents but also to ensure proper oversight of the other branches of government.
“The majority remains in your favor; you still have the advantage. But let us use that advantage to negotiate a just and honorable resolution for the betterment of our country,” he appealed.
His remarks come day after a team led by Representative James Kolleh vandalized the office of embattled speaker Fonati Koffa as a means of securing space for their majority bloc speaker Richard Nagbe Koon.
