Pro-Koffa Lawmakers Agree to Attend Sessions Under Speaker Koon, Cite Conditions.

Capitol Hill Liberia : The Chairman of the Rule of Law Legislative Caucus, Rep. Musa Hassan Bility (District #7, Nimba County), has announced the caucus's willingness to participate in legislative sessions under Speaker Richard Nageba Koon, outlining several conditions for their engagement.

Speaking at a press conference, Rep. Bility attributed this decision to the Supreme Court's failure to provide clarification on its previous rulings regarding the ongoing impasse between the two blocs within the House of Representatives. He emphasized the need for a different approach to resolve their differences, opting for legislative engagement.

Bility stated that the caucus aims to utilize these sessions to formally express their objections to the election of Speaker Koon, despite the fact that a Speaker was legitimately elected in accordance with both the Constitution and House Rules. 

He also condemned the suspension and withholding of salaries for some lawmakers, which he deemed a direct violation of established House rules.

Furthermore, the Pro-Koffa bloc raised concerns regarding the refusal to release benefits owed to its members, despite the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning having already remitted these funds to the House of Representatives.

"We want to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law, which includes pursuing both legal actions and legislative solutions within the House of Representatives," stated Rep. Bility.

 "We extend our gratitude to the people of Liberia for their continued support and assure them of our unwavering commitment to the rule of law."

Conciliation Efforts:

Bility's statement coincides with the Majority Bloc's announcement of a retreat aimed at reconciling members of the House and their staff.

 This announcement followed the conclusion of the first session of the House, where four Pro-Koffa lawmakers – Reps. Sumo Mulbah, Ellen Attoh Wreh, Romeo Quioh, and Priscilla Cooper – joined the Majority Bloc for deliberations.

While welcoming the participation of these lawmakers, Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah and Speaker Koon extended an invitation to all Pro-Koffa lawmakers to attend future sessions.

Reps. Attoh Wreh and Mulbah clarified that their participation in Monday's session should not be misconstrued as a withdrawal of support for Speaker Koffa. They emphasized that their attendance aimed to foster legislative dialogue and promote reconciliation within the House.

Rep. Quioh stated that his decision to join the Majority Bloc was driven by the need to better represent his constituents.