Monrovia – Members of the House of Representatives have unanimously voted to uphold contempt charges against transport Minister Samuel A. Wlue for acts of disrespect allegedly carried on by members of the joint inspection team against some lawmakers.
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
Representatives Francis Dopoe and Yekeh Kolubah had earlier complained about gross disrespect meted against them by Oliver Dillon of the Ministry of Transport, LNP Deputy Commissioner Roland Foley and others recently during a vehicle registration exercise in Monrovia.
As a result, Minister Wlue was summoned before the Plenary of the House of Representatives to give reasons why he should not be held in contempt over the actions of members of his staff; while the Inspector General (IG) of the Liberia National Police, Col. Patrick Sudue was ordered to appear before Plenary to explain what the LNP is doing to ensure the safety and unhindered movements of lawmakers in discharge of their duties as he promised during his confirmation hearing.
Wlue, speaking before plenary, apologized to the lawmakers for the ‘unwholesome behaviors’ of his staff members.
He blamed their actions to their over zealousness in discharging their duties and promised that proper disciplinary actions will be taken against them.
“I have come here with one appeal. Those persons who are so charged will be placed under investigation and duly punished for what they have done. Accept my deepest sympathy and regret and I assure you that this will not happen again. I guess that in their over zealousness to do their work and raise revenue for us, they went overboard and did the wrong things. I am sorry,” Minster Wlue pleaded.
But despite the Min. Wlue’s passionate appeal, the lawmakers refused to pardon him and ordered him to appear next week Tuesday along with Oliver Dillon, who they said is not remorseful of his actions.
For his part, Col. Sudue reaffirmed the Police commitments to ensuring safety and unhindered transport of lawmakers in performing their constitutional duties.
He noted that the LNP have plans to provide escort for the lawmakers whenever they are heading to work, but because of inadequate budget, they are unable to start the exercise.
He however called on the lawmakers to increase the LNP budget to ensure the successful implementation of their plans.
With that he was pardoned.
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