The House of Representatives has mandated the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Legal Affairs, Cllr. Jeddie Armah, to appear before Plenary on Thursday at 8:00 a.m. for what lawmakers have described as disrespect to the authority of the House.
The decision followed an incident in which the Deputy Minister reportedly left the waiting room without informing the Office of the Chief Clerk, after appearing in response to an official invitation. Cllr. Armah has been instructed to appear along with medical documentation relating to the reported illness of his daughter, which he cited as the reason for his departure.
The matter arose during Plenary deliberations on a communication submitted by Rep. Ivar K. Jones of Margibi County Electoral District #2, concerning allegations of inhumane treatment of Liberians, particularly students studying in foreign countries.
Plenary had invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Education, the Director of Scholarships, and the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs (Afro-Asian Affairs) to address the concerns raised in the communication.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs submitted a written excuse, informing Plenary that her Deputy would appear in her stead. Although the Deputy Minister appeared, his subsequent departure without notifying the House Secretariat prompted Plenary’s decision.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, who also submitted an excuse, has been ordered to appear Thursday on a show-cause basis, accompanied by her legal counsel, to explain why she should not be held in contempt of the House for failing to honor the Plenary’s invitation.
The House of Representatives reiterated its commitment to upholding legislative authority and ensuring accountability from public officials, particularly on matters affecting the welfare and dignity of Liberians abroad.