Monrovia – The Deputy Speaker and presiding officer of the House of Representatives, Hans Barchue has cleared the air with staffs of the Legislature that he did not undermine ‘former’ Speaker Tyler as being alleged by pro Tyler supporters.
“I never undermined Speaker Alex Tyler. My role as a Deputy Speaker is to advise him. It was left with him to take it or leave it. I advised him and he did not take my advice. So my side is clear,” Barchue said.
In an interactive meeting with staffs of the Lower House, Barchue said he advised the former speaker when he sensed the trouble from the initial stage but Tyler did not yield.
The Deputy speaker has worked with the former Speaker as his principal deputy for more than five years.
Then a freshman lawmaker, he was preferred over other experienced lawmakers for the position.
At a meeting for staffs in the joint chambers, the presiding officer told staffers that the gathering was intended to identify constraints the staffs face and to find amicable solutions in addressing them.
He conceded that the working conditions of employees are not favorable, citing the lack of office materials and messy bath room conditions.
He described the salary disparity among employees as deplorable and disclosed plans to address the situation.
“I think it is unfair if one Director makes $US1000 per month while others are receiving US$800.”
“We have plans to invite the Civil Service Agency to work in conjunction with relevant sector to address the matter.”
The Grand Bassa County Lawmaker vowed to transfer the salaries of people who would refuse to work to employees who would be regular at work.
The meeting was also attended by several lawmakers including Byron Brown, Chairman on the House’s Committee on Rules, Order and Administration and Josephine Francis, Chairperson on Executive.
He cautioned staffers to do away with the capitol building politics and perform task that has been given them.
His comments were specifically for staffs of the central administration.
Gerald Koinyeneh, Intern Reporter