Tyler risks complete removal

Information within the corridors of the Capitol Building indicates that majority lawmakers in the House of Representatives under the leadership of Deputy Speaker and Presiding Officer Hans Barchue, are resolved to completely remove indicted Speaker J. Alex Tyler, who recused himself last week under serious pressure from the Liberian Women in Peace Network, WIPNET.

The women laid a siege on the grounds of the Capitol, refusing to leave unless Tyler came down.  Speaker Tyler step aside to face criminal trial after the State indicted him and several others in connection with a Global Witness’ report linking them to alleged bribery.

GW revealed that recused Speaker Tyler reportedly received US$75,000 to temper with the Public Procurement and Concession Commission Act. Inside sources at the Capitol say the lawmakers are holding series of meetings for the final removal of the Speaker on grounds that his action has brought the noble House of Representatives to public disrepute.

They are quoted as saying if nothing were done, Tyler’s action could cause the lower House to totally loss public credibility. The removal petition already drafted and now in circulation among lawmakers, raised two cardinal points: that during the reading of the recusal petition, Tyler allegedly took thugs on the grounds of the Capitol Building, and they booed and rained insults on sitting lawmakers, while in one of their conferences, the embattled Speaker referred to them as ‘surrogates to the Presidency.’

The alleged actions of the embattled Speaker violate Rules 42.1 and 42.2 of the House. Rule 42.1 says, “Every member shall, at any place, keep the prestige and dignity of the House and refrain from undesirable acts” and Rule 42.2 states, “No member shall insult, abuse or harass other persons within the confines of the House or causes disturbance to the activities of the House.”

Some members of the majority bloc, who asked for anonymity on grounds that the matter is at a concluding stage, indicated that it is belittling and shameful for a Speaker of that august body to engage in such acts.

According to one of them, who confided in this paper, it takes the grace of Almighty God for Tyler to be pardoned because the majority bloc has gone too far to revert their decision on his removal.

The petition also pointed out that the fact that Speaker Tyler recused himself, is a sign of guilt and that there is no turning back for his removal. However, it seems impossible for the embattled Speaker to be removed during this seating, as lawmakers are expected to take their annual break end of this month. The current stay of lawmakers at the Capitol Building is to ensure the 2016/17 national draft budget is passed.

Already, there are two possible representatives who are eyeing the speaker post; namely, Deputy Speaker and Presiding Officer Hans Barchue and Margibi County Representative Emmanuel Nuquoi.

By E. J. Nathaniel Daygbor -Editing by Jonathan Browne