Whispering Truth -Bility Exposes Alleged Passage of $363m without Scrutiny

MONROIA – In what appears to be a shocking revelation, Nimba County Representative Hassan Musa Bility has blown the lid off a potential scandal in the Liberian Legislature, exposing the alleged passage of a massive USD$363.9 million financial bill without the required constitutional procedures. The bill, meant for road construction in Liberia’s western and northern corridors, has sparked concerns of abuse of office and disregard for the rule of law. As the nation watches, The Analyst brings out the details of this unfolding story as contained in Bility’s communication to the leadership of the National Legislature, calling for transparency and accountability that refuses to be silenced.

A leading voice in Liberian politics, Hon. Hassan Musa Bility, has raised alarm over the alleged passage and transmission of a USD$363.9 million financial bill without plenary action or legislative approval.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, Bility questions the legitimacy of the bill, citing Article 34 (d) (i) of the Liberian Constitution, which mandates that all financial bills must originate in the House of Representatives.

According to sources, the bill, intended for road construction in Liberia’s western and northern corridors, has reportedly been transmitted to the Senate without proper debate, voting, or public hearing.

“This represents a gross violation of both the Constitution and our internal legislative rules, and it may constitute an abuse of office by any person or office involved in unlawfully transmitting or endorsing such a document,” Bility stated in the letter.

The lawmaker is calling for an immediate investigation into the matter, urging the Speaker and Plenary to seek clarification from the Senate, direct the Chief Clerk to report on the bill’s transmission, and mandate an internal inquiry to determine whether due legislative process was violated.

Full text of Bility’s Letter to Speaker Richard Koon

With the highest regard for the dignity of this August Body, extend my compliments and write to express my grave concern regarding reports that a financial bill amounting to over Three Hundred Million United States Dollars — intended for the construction of roads along the western and northern corridors of Liberia — has already passed the House of Representatives and is now being deliberated by the Honourable Liberian Senate

Mr. Speaker, as a sitting member of this honourable House I must state unequivocally that no such bill has ever been presented before Plenary, debated upon, nor voted on in accordance with our rules and the Liberian Constitution. To the best of my knowledge and to the extent of an available legislative records, no financial bill of this nature has been properly processed through the House of Representatives.

Constitutional Basis

Article 34 (d) (i) of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia (1986) provides

“All revenues and other moneys raised or received by the Republic shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund from which no monies shall he withdrawn except as authorized by a Legislative enactment, and no appropriation shall be made except by a bill originating in the House of Representatives.”

This provision is clear and unambiguous. It mandates that all financial bills must   originate in the House of Representatives —and not in the Senate, nor through any        

Administrative or informal process.

Furthermore. Under Rules 39 and 40 of the Standing Rules and Procedures of the House    Representatives, all bills, including financial and appropriation bills, must be read, debated, and individually voted upon in Plenary before being transmitted to the Senate, These rules exist to preserve legislative transparency; accountability, and the integrity of our constitutional processes,

Observations and Concerns

It is therefore disturbing. Mr. Speaker, that a bill of such magnitude representing a major financial commitment on behalf of the Liberian people — could find its way to the Senate without any public hearing. Committee report, or plenary vote from this honourable House.

If this report is accurate, it represents a gross violation of both the Constitution and our internal legislative rules, and it may constitute an abuse of office by any person or office involved in unlawfully transmitting or endorsing such a document,

Our nation has suffered greatly from persistent disregard for the rule of law, from financial secrecy, and from executive overreach into legislative prerogatives. We cannot, in good conscience, continue to perpetuate practices that erode public trust and undermine the sovereignty of this legislative body-

If we are to redeem the credibility of our country and rebuild the confidence of our citizens and international partners, we must begin by respecting our own Constitution and the rules that govern us.

Request for Clarification and Investigation

Accordingly, respectfully call on the Honorable Speaker and Plenary to:

1. Seek formal clarification from the Liberian Senate as to how it received this financial bill;

2. Direct the Chief Clerk of the House to provide an immediate report on any communication or transmission of said bill from the House to the Senate; and

3, Mandate an internal inquiry to determine whether due legislative process was violated. And by whom.

Such action will not uphold the dignity of this Honourable House but will also send a clear message to the Liberian people — that we, their elected representatives, are committed to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.

Conclusion

Mr. Speaker and Distinguished Colleagues,

Liberia is at a crossroads. Every unlawful act, every procedural shortcut, and every abuse of process sets back our democracy and weakens the institutions we are sworn to protect,

Let this House stand as a bulwark against such violations, Let us act now — firmly, transparently, and constitutionally — to ensure that the people’s House remains the Custodian of all financial legislation as required by law.

With profound respect and unwavering commitment to the principles of goad governance, I remain.