The House of Representatives abruptly adjourned its first-day sitting of the 555th Legislature’s Special Session on Tuesday, 2 April 2024, because some lawmakers were distributing T-shirts to campaign for the establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court.
By Bridgett Milton
Monrovia, April 5, 2024: House Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa has warned his colleagues against disrupting the legislative session. This follows lawmakers’ distribution of T-shirts on 2 April 2024, which prompted an abrupt legislative adjournment.
The first day of the Special session of the House of Representatives was abruptly adjourned on Tuesday due to some representatives distributing War and Economic Crimes Court T-shirts.
The Executive recalled the 55th Legislature for a special session commencing Monday, 1 April 2024, after lawmakers took their first constituency break.
The special session runs from 1 to 30 April 2024. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has recalled the legislators to discuss or act on national emergencies and other concerns.
But on their first day in the special session, especially in the House of Representatives, the proceedings came to a standstill when some lawmakers began distributing T-shirts promoting the establishment of the war and economic crimes court.
During the second day of the House of Representatives sitting on Thursday, 4 April 2024, Speaker Koffa strongly warned members about the chaotic scene that disrupted the previous session.
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Speaker Koffa expressed his displeasure over some members of the House of Representatives disruptive behavior during the first session and vowed to take action against any further disruptions.
He said he would not hesitate to punish members who disturb the session, emphasizing the legislative body’s need for decorum and respect.
The issue of establishing the War and Economic Crime Court in Liberia has sparked tensions within the House of Representatives.
It has been a contentious topic among lawmakers, with some questioning the necessity and implications of establishing the court in the country.
