Amara Konneh Does Double Take on Legislative Crisis -Decries Senate Yielding to “External Influences”-But Thankful for Executive Recognizing Majority Bloc

MONROVIA – Gbarpolu County senator Amara M. Konneh added his voice to the litany of concerns last week when he posed a rhetorical question to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. “Where is our President?” was Senator Konneh’s lamentation over what he saw as the Liberian leader’s apparent lukewarm approach to the deteriorating leadership crisis up Capitol Hill, a situation which threatened the development agenda of the Boakai administration because it negatively impacted the budget hearing process. But as The Analyst has gathered, while commending the Executive for taking a firm position after the Attorney General’s express opinion to the December 6, 2024 Supreme Court ruling, Senator Konneh has done a double take by registering his disappointment over the Senate’s decision to recognize the “Majority Bloc” without consultation with independent lawyers to advise the senate on the Supreme Court ruling.

“With the Attorney General’s opinion on the Supreme Court’s judgment, we now have clarity on the Executive Branch’s position regarding the impasse in the House of Representatives (HOR). This situation answers a crucial question we posed a few days ago: “Where is our President?” As for the Senate’s recognition of the “Majority Bloc,” I had hoped that Pro Temp Kanga-Lawrence would handle the matter as she did with the Resolution to establish the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC). In that instance, she asked the Senate Judiciary Committee to consult with independent lawyers and then advise the Senate. That process enabled us to stand by our support for the HOR’s version of the WECC’s Resolution and the President’s desire for a WECC, showcasing our commitment to due diligence in our legislative processes and in observing the separation of powers doctrine in our Constitution,” Senator Konneh stated Wednesday in a social post,” averred Senator Konneh.

He said the decision made by Speaker J. Fonanti Koffa of his expressed intention to “transition” in one of his statements provides a powerful opportunity to negotiate and move forward without perpetuating the crisis in the House.

“By taking this chance, we set a precedent for how the other branches – and the Lower and Upper Houses – should respond to future challenges in the Legislature. Should they uphold the law, even if it favors the embattled party? Or should they surrender their authority to external influences and act against the law? As we have seen in this case, history has a way of repeating itself, and we have witnessed how people lose faith in our government and its institutions. In many cases, they do not reward those who erode that trust. The Senate must take it upon itself to preserve and strengthen public confidence in our government. Either way, the country must move forward. Time is not in our favor,” Senator Konneh cautioned.

A need for Recalibration

Continuing, the Gbarpolu County senator stressed the need for total recalibration of policies and strategies within the Lower House, noting that he came to the Legislature this year fueled by a commitment to work with his colleagues to uplift families across the country, particularly in Gbarpolu County.

“Yet, after 11 months, we find ourselves caught in a struggle over the Speaker’s position and control of the national budget, hindering our legislative progress from the very start. It is disheartening that we cannot embark on our crucial work in this new government due to dysfunction within the Legislature driven by personal interests and the sluggish pace of the Executive Branch,” he lamented.

“Stepping aside is a win-win”

Senator Konneh concluded his assertion by sending a plea to the embattled Speaker to listen to the voice of reason and step aside for the sake of the country.

“To my brother, Speaker Koffa, stepping aside for the betterment of our beloved country will be a profound act of leadership. As Nelson Mandela said, “Walking away is leadership, too.” You have served as a commendable, centrist opposition Speaker. Yet, the Liberian people deserve a Speaker who can unite his colleagues behind a legislative agenda that elevates their needs above divisiveness and personal interest. I will steadfastly champion this principle.

“Now, we must unite and rally behind the president’s development agenda to propel our nation forward by passing a credible budget that gives him spending authority; this is not about winning or losing. We are leaders of the 8th poorest country in the world, and all three branches of government must operate cohesively to foster shared prosperity for our people. Let’s get back to work!” he concluded.