House begins special session today

President Boakai recalled the 55th Legislature from its first break, and this special session is expected to last until 30 April 2024.

By Bridgett Milton 

Monrovia, April 2, 2024: The House of Representatives is expected to begin a legislative session today, Tuesday, 2 April 2024, after President Joseph Nyumah Boakai recalled the 55th Legislature from its first break.

During this special session, the House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate will discuss or act upon matters of national emergency and concern including the fiscal year 2024 draft national budget, among others.

The session is expected to run from Monday, 1 April 2024 to 30 April 2024. The 55th Legislature had closed for its first session before being recalled by President Boakai.

The first constituency break of the 55th Legislature started on 14 March 2024 and was expected to end on 10 May 2024.

But a proclamation was issued to the 55th Legislature through the Speaker of the House of Representatives Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa and Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence for its return to run from 1 April to 30 April 2024.

President Boakai used Article 32 (b) to extend the session. The provision states that the President shall, on his initiative or upon receipt of a certificate signed by at least one-fourth of the total membership of each House, and by proclamation, extend a regular session of the Legislature beyond the date for adjournment.

The provision also states that the President shall call an extraordinary session of the body to discuss or act upon matters of national emergency and concern. 

“When the extension or call is at the request of the Legislature, the proclamation shall be issued not later than forty-eight hours after receipt of the certificate by the President,” the provision said.

 President Boakai informed the Legislature that the recall of the Legislature is based on critical national issues that must be resolved as a matter of urgency.