The request by Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon to recall Liberian parliamentarians from ECOWAS Parliament faced strong opposition during a recent session. Lawmakers argued against the recall citing ECOWAS Rule 5, which prevents replacements post-oath of office. The situation is compounded by internal power struggles over leadership within Liberia’s legislature and concerns surrounding the legality of actions taken by both sides.
On Tuesday, the request by Majority Bloc Speaker Richard Koon to recall Liberian parliamentarians from the ECOWAS Parliament was hotly debated. Lawmakers from several countries urged Koon to withdraw his request and maintain the current Liberian representatives. This issue arose following the Majority Bloc’s recent elections that replaced Speaker Fonati Koffa’s allies, intensifying competition over Liberia’s representation within the region.
The Majority Bloc’s election resulted in the selection of three new delegates from Liberia: Moima Briggs Mensah (Bong County District 6), Augustine Chiewolo (Lofa County District 5), and Samson Q. Wiah (Sinoe County District 2). Their ascension replaces Rev. Samuel Enders and Taa Wongbe, originally appointed under Speaker Koffa’s leadership. This shift is perceived as part of a broader power struggle within the House of Representatives concerning Liberia’s role in ECOWAS.
The Majority Bloc’s determination to replace these representatives stems from a ruling led by Koon that invalidated prior appointments, citing a lack of plenary approval as unlawful. Both lawmakers Johnson S.N. Williams and James Kolleh challenged Koffa’s appointments, stating they were made without proper legislative procedure.
Despite the ruling, multiple legislators have voiced strong opposition to the recall effort, referencing ECOWAS Rule 5. This provision indicates that once a member has taken their oath of office, a country cannot recall them unless specific conditions, such as resignation or misconduct, apply. One anonymous lawmaker remarked, “It is not possible to replace your representatives once they have taken their oath, unless they are no longer a member of the body that sent them.”
The mandate of an ECOWAS representative spans four years, during which removal is prohibited unless criteria are not met or in cases of gross misconduct. Senator Edwin Snowe, Liberia’s senior representative at ECOWAS, has expressly opposed the recall. He cautioned that such actions could destabilize the independence of the ECOWAS Parliament.
During the recent session, the ruling body of ECOWAS confirmed receipt of communication from Liberia’s House regarding the changes in representation. Koon instructed the Chief Clerk to relay this decision to ECOWAS, which has since acknowledged the communication.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo from Sierra Leone articulated the significance of adhering to ECOWAS regulations, underlining that a member cannot be recalled once they have taken their oath. He stated, “I want to categorically state here that the very clause in the Supplementary Act of 2016 should not be circumvented.” Similarly, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume from Nigeria highlighted that members cannot be withdrawn unless they breach assembly protocols.
Hon. Sheriff Saar of Gambia further noted the issue revolves around constitutional legitimacy, asserting that changes in representation should be based on clearly defined constitutional grounds. He pointed out that moral authority is at stake, as the constitution mandates the speaker’s continuity unless legal precedent necessitates otherwise.
The election of new delegates reflects the Majority Bloc’s extensive strategy to overturn previous appointments made by Speaker Koffa. The bloc accuses Koffa of circumventing established House rules regarding appointments, suggesting a politically charged atmosphere and lack of transparency. While awaiting the ECOWAS Parliament’s response, lawmakers appointed by Koffa reportedly enjoy substantial support among their peers.
The debate over the recall of Liberian parliamentarians from the ECOWAS Parliament highlights the tension within the House of Representatives and underscores adherence to ECOWAS statutes. Major themes include the illegality of Koon’s request based on ECOWAS Rule 5, which protects elected members post-oath. Additionally, the discussion reflects a broader context of political maneuvering and concerns over constitutional integrity in Liberia’s legislative processes.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com