CDC's Diatribe Against Lawmakers: Why Now?

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Monday, 17 December 2012 13:07

Written by ND Staff

When the chairman of the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change, Mr. George Solo, at the weekend virulently attacked members of the bicameral legislature, the first branch of government, for not serving in the interest of their constituents and Liberians as a whole who elected them into power, wonders rolled upon us to ask: why now when the CDC hierarchy failed to rebuke the 52nd legislature for inaction on many pertinent national issues?

It is also our wonder whether Mr. Solo's reference to the Honourable men and women at the Capitol Building as "envelope lawmakers" includes those representing the CDC, and why the party has heretofore failed to rebuke them for inaction.

In a lengthy press statement, Mr. Solo attacked members of the legislature for being selfish and neglecting the interest of the people who elected them, and agreed with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for saying legislators took huge budgetary allotments on their own.
He warned them to expect surprises from the Liberian people come the mid-term legislative elections in 2014, and urged voters to be prudent in making their choices.

But the timing of his attack is surprising since the CDC which has majority membership in both Houses of the 53rd legislature had failed to speak loud enough against these very ills which happened during the six-year tenure of the 52nd legislature.

For instance, no opposition party including the CDC mustered enough political will and national courage to challenge the 52nd legislature for failure to pass the Code of Conduct bill, a function of theirs mandated by the Constitution.
Hence, repeated calls by the Executive emphasizing the necessity of passing the Code of Conduct bill, amongst other functions, that would legally guide and guard the conduct of officials, and virtually all Liberians, fell on deaf ears of lawmakers who were definitely mindful not to entrap themselves.


Perhaps, opposition politicians, on the other hand, neglected pressuring the legislature to enact a Code of Conduct bill that would ensure accountability and transparency because they did not want the ruling party to enjoy an enhanced governance space. But sue a legislative guidepost would no doubt make governance easier for succeeding administrations elected into power.
Mr. Solo's anger rose over apparent murmurs from the Capitol Building expressing the lack of budgetary allocation for Ambassador George Weah to implement his new task of reconciliation and peace building in war-torn Liberia.


He accused legislators of appropriating for themselves huge sums in salaries, allowances and perks while speaking about unavailability of funds for reconciliation and peace building. But he reminded them that the prevalence of peace allowed them to be seated to the Capitol Building, and urged them to do everything towards maintenance of a peaceful Liberia.

The CDC chairman's outburst signals a clear reminder to all political parties to be courageous in speaking out against ills confronting our society, as well as supporting virtues meant to make Liberia better for all.