MICAT Wants All Parties to Respect Rule of Law -Piah: “Honor Rule of Law and Leverage the Opinion Heard”

MONROVIA – The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) says while there is respect for the independence of all of the branches of government, it is concerned about the prolonged stalemate which threatens national cohesion and effective governance.

“Consequently,” said Minister Jerolimek Matthew Piah Thursday, a day after the Supreme Court handed down its opinion into the protracted House leadership crisis, “we like to urge all parties to honor the rule of law and leverage the opinion heard from the court as a pivotal point for crafting political solutions to the issues within the House of Representatives.”

In his initial reaction to the ruling, Piah further said: “We yesterday listened to and witness the ruling from the Supreme Court on the Bill of Information that was brought before them regarding the impasse in the House of Representatives. Our initial reaction and I say initial because there could be an addition trends of conversations.”

He also said the initial reaction was looking forward to see an end to the ongoing division in the House of Representatives, and “we like to state that the internal dispute ongoing there has the potential to undermine the progress that this administration is making in terms of national development and governance.

“The government likes to reiterate the administration commitment to the constitutional principles of one government, with three and separate and coordinate branches of the government.”

Piah said with the help of the tradition council and other stakeholders, government would engage all sides to resolve the issue, noting that “it is the time for our elected lawmakers to put aside personal or political interest and return their full attention to the business of the Liberian people”.

He praised members of the legislature, the House in particular, who have recommitted to legislative duties and urge all others to act with patriotism and unity, reminding them that their constitutional oath demands service above self.

“The road to national recovery requires all hands on deck,” Piah asserted. “No single interest must be allowed to outweigh our collective duty to the nation.”

He expressed optimism on behalf of government that members of the House of Representatives will find common ground; refocus on delivering the promises of the ARREST Agenda for inclusive development.

“Like I said these comments represent our initial comments on the Opinion that we heard from the Court and what we said is consistent with our understanding with regards to what is going on,” the government chief spokesman said.