The ECOWAS Parliament has declined Majority Bloc Speaker Koon’s request to replace three Liberian delegates, reaffirming their fixed four-year term mandates. The current delegates—Samuel R. Enders, Moima Briggs-Mensah, and Taa Z. Wongbe—do not meet conditions for removal, emphasizing adherence to parliamentary protocols. The ruling poses a challenge for the Majority Bloc and strengthens the Minority Bloc’s position ahead of a Supreme Court hearing.
The ECOWAS Parliament has denied the request from Majority Bloc Speaker Koon to replace three members of the Liberian delegation. An official letter, sent to Madam Mildred N. Sayon, the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, stated that current delegates have fixed-term mandates.
Dated February 25, 2025, and issued from Abuja by Acting Secretary-General K. Bertin SOME, the letter clarified that community parliamentarians serve four-year terms as stipulated under Article 18.1,2 of the supplementary Act. It emphasized that members can only be removed under specific circumstances such as death, resignation, or misconduct.
The three Liberian delegates—Honorable Samuel R. Enders, Sr., Moima Briggs-Mensah, and Taa Z. Wongbe—do not meet any of the criteria for replacement. The letter asserted that the delegates would continue their mandates according to Liberia’s international commitments.
This decision reaffirms the ECOWAS Parliament’s commitment to its regulations, despite calls from the Majority Bloc for changes. The ruling presents a setback for the Majority Bloc, whose dominance has faced challenges amid a controversial takeover.
In contrast, the Minority Bloc, led by Speaker Fonati Koffa, has welcomed the decision, strengthening their stance ahead of an impending Supreme Court hearing related to a bill filed by Koffa and his allies. The reaction within Liberia’s political circles has been mixed, with disappointment expressed by some supporters of the recall, while others supported the decision as a reinforcement of parliamentary protocols. Speaker Koon has not yet responded to this ruling.
The decision by the ECOWAS Parliament to maintain the current Liberian delegation underscores the importance of adhering to established parliamentary terms and protocols. It illustrates a divide within Liberian politics, especially between the Majority and Minority Blocs, with implications for the ongoing political landscape in the country. As reactions unfold, the ruling serves as a pivotal moment amidst continuing discussions surrounding governance and representation in Liberia.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
