The ECOWAS Parliament denies Majority Bloc Speaker Koon’s request to replace three Liberian delegates, affirming they serve fixed four-year terms and highlighting adherence to established protocols. The decision is a notable setback for the Majority Bloc amid ongoing political tensions, while the opposition views it positively. Mixed reactions arise within Liberia’s political sphere.
The ECOWAS Parliament has formally rejected a request from Majority Bloc Speaker Koon to replace three Liberian delegates. In a letter dated February 25, 2025, and issued by Acting Secretary-General K. Bertin SOME, the Parliament emphasized that delegates like Honorable Samuel R. Enders, Sr., Moima Briggs-Mensah, and Taa Z. Wongbe serve fixed four-year terms as outlined in Article 18.1,2 of the supplementary Act regarding ECOWAS Parliament powers.
The letter clarified that the current delegation members cannot be removed or replaced prior to term completion, barring specific conditions such as non-re-election, death, written resignation, mental or physical incapacity, incompatibility, or misconduct. Since the three Liberian delegates do not meet any of these criteria, their replacement was deemed inappropriate.
This decision reinforces the ECOWAS Parliament’s adherence to its legal frameworks despite requests from the Majority Bloc for changes in the delegation. The outcome represents a setback for the Majority Bloc amid ongoing disputes over their control in the House of Representatives after a contentious takeover.
Opposition members, including those in the Minority Bloc led by Speaker Fonati Koffa, praised the ruling, which may strengthen their position as a Supreme Court hearing approaches regarding a case brought forth by Koffa’s faction. Mixed reactions have arisen from Liberian political circles, with some expressing disappointment over the recall’s failure, while others viewed the ruling as essential for upholding parliamentary standards. Speaker Koon has not yet publicly responded to the decision.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s rejection of the Majority Bloc’s request to replace three Liberian delegates highlights the importance of adhering to established parliamentary terms and rules. The ruling reinforces the current delegation’s position, defying pressures to change its composition. This development is pivotal within Liberia’s political landscape as it shapes the dynamics in the House of Representatives and sets the stage for future legal proceedings and political maneuvers.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
