GANTA, Nimba – Lawmakers at the lower house of parliament have ended a one-day retreat in Ganta aimed at promoting unity and resolving divisions caused by a recent leadership fight.

For at least two months, representatives were divided over the leadership of the former speaker, J. Alex Tyler, who was indicted after a Global Witness report alleged that he was involved in a bribery scandal. The representatives called on him to recuse himself of the speakership while the trial proceeded. He has since recused himself and was subsequently voted out of his post by his fellow lawmakers.

The new speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Emmanuel Nuquay, addressed reporters following the retreat: “I must say to you, members of the press, and to the people of Liberia, that the retreat met a tremendous success; we are leaving from here fulfilled, taking into consideration all that we discussed.”

Rep. Ricks Tweh who represents Nimba’s sixth district and chairs the House Committee on Peace and Reconciliation, said the retreat is an important way forward.

“Let us recall the line in our national anthem that says ‘In Union strong, Success is Sure’; a house divided, can never stand,” he said.

Rep. William Massaquoi of Lofa’s third district said members of the lower house needed to unite around a principle of protecting the image of the legislature so that it is not seen as a place where laws are easily broken.

“In the process of politicking, when you violate the law, then you violate the politics itself; because politics is a product of the law,” Massaquoi said. “But I am hopeful that we can change our image and take a different step.”

Featured photo by David Stanley