Monrovia – President Joseph N. Boakai has announced a delay in the submission of the draft National Budget for the 2025 fiscal year, citing ongoing consultations following an unresolved conflict within the House of Representatives.
In a communication to the Legislature, the President explained that the draft budget, originally scheduled for submission on October 31, 2024, was initially postponed to November 8, 2024. However, due to the evolving situation within the legislative branch, it will be further delayed.
“Due to ongoing consultations, the President has decided to delay the submission of the draft National Budget until these matters are resolved,” the statement emphasized.
The delay comes in the wake of a petition filed by Speaker of the House of Representatives before the Supreme Court of Liberia, seeking a Writ of Prohibition.
The petition was aimed at halting the appearance of certain Executive Branch officials for hearings called by the majority members of the House, instead of the Honorable Speaker. The Speaker argued that allowing such appearances would “undermine the rule of law and set a dangerous precedent for governance.”
On November 6, 2024, the Justice in Chambers declined to issue the Writ of Prohibition requested by the Speaker, adding further complexity to the ongoing conflict within the House of Representatives.
President Boakai, while addressing the legislative body, underscored his commitment to respecting the separation of powers among the three branches of government. He noted that the Executive Branch is actively consulting legal experts to fully comprehend the Supreme Court’s decision and its implications on governance.
The President expressed hope that the legislative impasse would be resolved promptly, highlighting the urgency of passing the national budget for the benefit of the Liberian people. He called on the members of the House to put aside their differences and work towards a swift resolution of the dispute.
“It is the President’s prayer that the honorable members of the House of Representatives will, in the interest of all Liberians, resolve the quagmire in the shortest possible time,” the communication concluded.
