Former members of the Legislature, under the banner Concerned Members of the 53rd Legislature, honored Sen. Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence for her leadership over the short period as head of the Senate on Thursday.

Presenting the honor at the ceremony on behalf of the former lawmakers, Mr. Gabriel Buchanan Smith, former District #3 representative of Grand Bassa County, noted that the essence of observing such an honoring program was to recognize the exemplary leadership of Pro-Temp Karnga Lawrence. He noted that the group under the banner “Concerned Members of the 53rd Legislature” was established to collaborate with the current leadership with the aim of ensuring a better society for the Liberian people.

Former representative Smith further informed the Senate Pro-Tempore that as former lawmakers, they are impressed by the current level of improvements through a reform system set up under her leadership. Gowning the Pro-Tempore in a beautifully designed red, white, and blue Country cloth, the former lawmakers indicated that it was their way of giving Pro-Temp Karnga Lawrence a flower while she is still alive and admonished her to keep doing her best by those good things she has started to do at the Liberian Senate.

In response, Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence expressed gratitude to her former colleagues for such recognition, which she described as the first of its kind. Pro-Temp Karnga Lawrence also indicated to the former lawmakers that it is a new era and that it is time to work together in helping to develop the country. She further recommended that they, as lawmakers, are the only group of people with the knowledge to develop Liberia, given their experiences as lawmakers who have traveled in parts of the country with some of the most challenging conditions.

Pro-Temp said: “Let’s work together and fix this country; we are the only group of people that can do it,” Pro-Temp Karnga-Lawrence.

The very brief ceremony brought together several past and current lawmakers from both the 53rd and 55th Legislatures. Some of those in attendance from the 53rd Legislature include: Honorable Gabriel Buchanan Smith, former representative of District #3 Grand Bassa County; Solomon Claudius George, former representative, District #7 Montserrado County; Madame Josephine Francis, former representative of District #1 Montserrado County; William Varney Darkel, former representative of District #17 Montserrado County; Garrison Yealue, former Representative of District #3 Nimba County; and Moses Y. Kollie, former representative of District #5 Lofa County, among several other past lawmakers.

While Pro-Tempore in emeritus Albert Chie of Grand Kru-County, Senator James Biney of Maryland County, Senator Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado County, Senator Nathaniel Falo-McGill of Margibi County, Senator Prince Kemu-Moye, Jonny Kpehe, Senator Debbah Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County, and Senator Augustine Chea of Sinoe County, amongst several others members of the 55th legislature.

MONROVIA – The National Legislature has acquired new leadership characterized by a diversity that divides political control over the lower and upper houses. The outgoing party, Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), took hold of the House of Representatives by winning both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, in addition to having the majority members there. In the Senate, Unity Party-backed Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence secured the President Pro-Tempore position on a white ballot.

By Lennart Dodoo, Gerald Koinyeneh and Obediah Johnson

In the Speaker election, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa who served as Deputy Speaker of the 54^th Legislature secured 36 votes out of a total of 67, effectively positioning him as the leader of the Lower House of the 55^th Legislature.

The Unity Party-backed candidate, Representative Richard Nagbe Koon, trailed behind with 31 votes, making the race for the prestigious Speaker position closely contested. The total count of votes, 67 in all.

What Speaker Koffa Committed To

Following his landmark victory on Monday, Cllr. Koffa expressed a commitment to revisit unresolved matters left by the 54th Legislature, particularly those concerning war and economic crimes.

In his post-election statement, Rep. Koffa emphasized his dedication to collaborating with the incoming Boakai-Koung administration to formulate an agenda that prioritizes the interests of the Liberian people.

“I will also request that unfinished business of the 54^th will be carried over so that we can come to a resolution of somethings that were left undone, notably the issue of war and economic crimes,” he said.

“We must take up the mantle, listen to our people and finally come to one resolution on that question. We will be meeting with you Mr. President and asking for your indulgence to craft a meaningful agenda for this country.”

The establishment of a war and economic crimes court has been a contentious topic, with previous administrations neglecting the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that proposed the creation of such a court to prosecute those implicated in the gravest atrocities.

Speaker succeeds former Speaker Bhofal Chambers. Under Chambers’ leadership, attempts to pass a resolution for the establishment of a war and economic crimes court faced numerous obstacles. Efforts, including a resolution with a majority of member signatures and a bill proposed by the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) and civil society, were disregarded.

Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence’s Plans

Pro-Tempore Karnga Lawrence upon taking office called on members of the Senate to declare their assets as part of efforts to promote accountability and transparency in the public sector.

Speaking shortly after her election during the opening of the Senate, she pledged to discharge her duties with firm dedication, impartiality, and a deep sense of respect for every Senator irrespective of political persuasions.

She noted that in line with this, she will declare her assets and liabilities this week, with a call on Senators to follow suit.

The declaration of assets and liabilities by public officials is in keeping with the National Code of Conduct law passed during the administration of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

“As a mark of transparency and accountability, and in order to lead by example, I hereby inform that I will declare my Assets and Liabilities as well as publish this week. I encourage my Distinguished Senators to make every effort in doing same,” Pro-Tempore Lawrence stated.

She continued: “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.”

She urged her colleagues to be aware that Liberia is overwhelmed with unparalleled challenges ranging from economic uncertainty, bad roads connectivity, public health crises, drug epidemic, and youth unemployment to many other social and structural contradictions.

Pro-Tempore Lawrence maintained that it is therefore imperative that members of the Liberian Senate rise to meet these challenges with courage, passion, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of their fellow citizens.

Speaking further, the Grand Bassa County lawmaker informed her colleagues that while she embarked upon the important role to lead them, it is crucial to establish a clear plan of action for her first 100 days in office as President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate.

According to her, the plan will focus on strengthening legislative process, open and transparent legislative proceedings, enhancing legislative oversight, improving legislative work environment to include the welfare of legislative staff.

When formulated in closed consultation with the leadership of the

Liberian Senate, Pro-Tempore Lawrence pointed out that the blueprint will outline key priorities and initiatives to help her effectively steer the affairs of the Senate, foster positive change, and make an everlasting impact.

Sen. Karnga-Lawrence: “As I embark on this journey, I am profoundly mindful of the weight of

the duties and responsibilities that come with it.  The position of President Pro Tempore carries with it a solemn obligation to uphold the principles of the doctrine of the separation of powers, and to maintain the independence, credibility and the integrity of the Liberian Senate.

“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.”

Pro-Tempore Lawrence appreciated her predecessor Senator Albert Chie for his

Leadership in bringing all Senators together for the purpose of building a consensus, a factor that landed her the post.

She maintained that the milestone accomplishment wouldn’t have been made possible without the consistent and unwavering support of her colleagues of the Senate, supervised by Vice President-elect Jeremiah Koung, Sen. James Biney, the Independent Senators, and her support staff.

Senate Committees Leadership

Meanwhile, the newly elected leadership of the Liberian Senate for the 55th Legislature has revealed its committee assignments.

Senator James P. Biney of Maryland will head the Executive Committee, while Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, representing Montserrado, takes charge of Foreign Affairs.

Former Pro-Tempore Albert T. Chie, hailing from Grand Kru, is appointed Chairman on Public Works. Senator Cllr. Augustine Chea of Sinoe will oversee the Judiciary.

Senator Prince K. Moye from Bong will lead the pivotal Committee on Ways, Means, Finance, and Budget. Meanwhile, Senator Momo T. Cyrus of Lofa will play a crucial role as Chairman on Defense, Security, and Veteran Affairs.

The leadership extends to the administration with Senator Gble-bo Brown of Maryland taking charge of Rules, Order.Senator Nathaniel F. McGill from Margibi will spearhead the Committee on Education and Public Administration.

Health matters fall under the capable guidance of Senator Dabah M. Varpilah from Grand Cape Mount, while Senator Prince Y. Johnson, representing Nimba, is entrusted with overseeing Internal Affairs. Senator Armah Konneh of Gbarpolu will manage the critical Public Account and Audit Committee.

Senators Edwin M. Snowe and J. Alex Tyler, both from Bomi, have been appointed as ECOWAS Representatives. Lastly, Senator Francis Dopoe from River Gee and Cyrton Duncan from Sinoe will serve as IPU Representatives.