As Top Guns lead “House of Elders” Senate Under The Microscope

Members of the 55^th National Legislature have just taken their seats amid growing expectations from Liberians from all walks of life that this group of legislators would build the courage to push the Executive Branch of government to deliver to the will and aspirations of Liberians.

Most particularly, the Liberian Senate, which is regarded as the “House of Elders” and sometimes referred to the “Upper House” of the Liberian Legislature, is being placed under the microscope to deliver the good owing to its current composition of members therein.

Within the current Liberian Senate, there are three former Speakers of the House of Representatives including Bomi County Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe and J. Alex Tyler and Margibi County Senator James Emmanuel Nuquay.

The 55^th Liberian Senate is also blessed to have two former President Pro-Tempore in persons of Grand Kru County Senator Albert Tugbe Chie and Grand Bassa County Senator Milton Gbezohngar Findley. The latter also is a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the former is a seasoned Geologist. Grand Gedeh County Senator, Thomas Yaya Nimely, also a member of the Liberian Senate, is a former Foreign Minister as well.

Also in the Senate is a former Deputy Speaker in Prince Moye, two seasoned lawyers in persons of Cllr. Joseph Jallah of Lofa and Augustine Chea of Sinoe County.

There are also Senators who have served at the highest peak of local government and they include: Senators Wellington Geevon Smith and J. Gble-Bo Brown, who are former Superintendents of River Cess and Maryland Counties respectively.

Furthermore, the 55^th Liberian Senate has a former Minister of Finance and Development Planning in Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Mohammed Konneh and a Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Nathaniel F. McGill.

Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has worked in all three branches of the Liberian government is also a member of this unit. The Senate also contains six former ranking members of the House of Representatives including Emmanuel Zoe Pennue of Grand Gedeh, Crayton O. Duncan of Sinoe, James Binney of Maryland, Francis S. Dopoh of River Gee, Bill Twehway of River Cess and Numene T. H. Bartekwa  of Grand Kru. 

Accordingly, amid these household names and initial statement delivered by Senate Pro-Temp Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, all attentions are being directed at the august body to be the beacon of hope for Liberia and Liberians.

In her inaugural speech as Pro-temp, the Grand Bassa County Senator disclosed that the Senate’s 100 days’ deliverables plan under her watch will focus on strengthening legislative process, open and transparent legislative proceedings, enhancing legislative oversight, improving legislative work environment to include the welfare of legislative staffs.

This blueprint, Pro-temp Karnga-Lawrence said when formulated in closed consultation with the leadership of the Liberian Senate, will outline key priorities and initiatives to help me effectively steer the affairs of this august body, foster positive change, and make an everlasting impact.

As a mark of transparency and accountability, and in order to lead by example, she vowed to declare her assets and liabilities as well as publish this week and urged other Senators to follow suit.

“I encourage my Distinguished Senators to make every effort in doing same. We have a duty, and we must do! Over the last couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Members of the Senate, regardless of political affiliation, to address the pressing issues facing our country,” the Senate Pro-Temp stated.

“I firmly believe that by fostering constructive dialogue, finding common ground, and seeking bipartisan solutions, we can make steady progress through legislative oversight, and enactment of legislations that will positively impact our country and people. Distinguished colleagues, I would like to again congratulate all Senators on their return to the Senate for another term of service following the successfully conclusion of the 2023 general and presidential elections.”

“To the newly inducted Senators, we again extend our heartfelt congratulations, and welcome you to the "House of Elders". We are excited about the addition of former leaders of the Legislature, former officials of Government and professionals with different expertise to this Senate. I have absolutely no doubt that your expertise and experiences will certainly add more values to the Liberian Senate, and assist in accomplishing the goals of our agenda for a more vibrant, independent and reformed Senate,” she, among other things, added.