The House of Representatives has extended the suspension of Representatives J. Marvin Cole and Edward P. Flomo for an additional 30 session days due to their defiance of Plenary directives. Their suspension, which began in November 2024, was extended after they continued to enter Capitol premises. Meanwhile, Rep. Abu B. Kamara’s suspension was lifted for compliance. The total number of suspended lawmakers now stands at 18.
On March 20, 2025, the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives resolved to extend the suspension of Representatives J. Marvin Cole and Edward P. Flomo by an additional 30 session days. This decision follows their defiance of a Plenary directive which mandated them to refrain from entering the Capitol Building. Their initial suspension commenced on November 19, 2024, and was set to end on March 18, 2025, but their repeated disregard for the rules warranted further action.
The actions of Representatives Cole and Flomo consistently demonstrated a lack of respect for the Plenary’s authority, as they were observed multiple times within Capitol premises despite their suspension. In contrast, Representative Abu B. Kamara of Montserrado County District 15 had his suspension lifted, having fulfilled the requirements set forth during his own suspension. This highlighted the differences in compliance amongst the suspended legislators.
As per the Plenary’s decisions, the extensions have resulted in an increase in the total number of suspended lawmakers to 18, all affiliated with the Minority Bloc supporting Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Combating the ongoing issues, Cole and Flomo now join various other suspended members, including notable figures such as Cllr. Fonati Koffa, Dixon Seboe, and Jacob Debee among others. Their collective suspensions emphasize the ongoing strife within the House of Representatives as discipline is enforced against dissidence.
The House of Representatives’ extension of the suspensions for Representatives Cole and Flomo underscores the importance of adhering to legislative directives. Their actions resulted in a clear disciplinary measure aimed at maintaining respect for the Plenary’s authority. With the total number of suspended lawmakers now reaching 18, the situation reflects ongoing tensions within the House, emphasizing the need for compliance and order.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
