Monrovia-October 18, 2021: The Speaker of the 54th Legislature, Dr. Bhofal Chambers has clarified amidst rumors that members of the Legislature were recalled by the President, George M. Weah for the two Months special Session.

Speaker Chambers told reporters on Monday, October 18, 2021 on Capitol Hill that the Legislature recalled itself in line with the Public Financial Management (PFM) Law and not the President as speculated in the public.

The reconvening of the Legislature is intended to receive the 2022 National Budget and act on it before 2022.

Due to the change in the fiscal year calendar, the National Budget of Liberia will now run from January 1 to December 31 of every year instead of July 1 to June 30.

The Certificate to Reconvene according to Dr. Chambers was signed by over 20 Representatives, which is more than 1/4th of the total membership of the Honorable House of Representatives.

The Reconvening of the Legislature is done in accordance with Article 32(b) of the 1986 Constitutions, Speaker Chambers said.

According to him, several legislative instruments including the National Budget will be discussed during the special Session.

In the spirit of coordination, Dr. Chambers stressed that members of the 54th Legislature are fully prepared in enhancing good governance of the government.

The Maryland County Pleebo Sodakan Representative has assured the two branches of government a coordination and collaboration in the spirit of good governance.

Responding to a question if the Legislature has received the recent amendment agreement to Arcelor Mittal Agreement, the Speaker revealed that up to press time, his office has not received copy of said amendment into the Arcelor Mittal’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).

He emphasized that the Legislature will act on said document when it is brought before the body.
The 54th Speaker of the Legislature also alarmed over Liberia’s contribution into the Carbon market globally which he claimed is not been recognized as a country.

According to him, Liberia as a Country contribution to the carbon market globally should not be over looked by anyone because we formed part of the globe.

He maintained that the carbon market is generating US$ 261 billion globally and therefore, Liberia should enjoy her share of said amount.

The Certificate to Reconvene, states: ” We, the below listed members of the House of Representatives of the 54th Legislature, having acknowledged that due to the Amendment and Restatement of the Public Financial Management (PMC) Act approved October 30, 2019, changing the fiscal year from July to June of the same year, which gives the Executive Branch two (2) months to submit the National Budget to the Legislature prior to its enactment, do hereby affix our signatures in pursuant to Article 32(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, to reconvene in a Special Session of the 54th Legislature commencing October 18, 2021 and ending December 18, 2021 to deliberate on the National Budget and associated instruments as a matter of national emergency and concern.”

Courtesy of HoR Press