Since the election of Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence as President Pro-Tempore, the Liberian Senate has been plagued by irregularities and inefficiencies.
In stark contrast to their legislative counterparts in the House of Representatives, the Senate has become notorious for its delayed sessions and lack of transparency.
The Senate, often referred to as the “House of Elders,” has failed to live up to this title under Karngar-Lawrence’s leadership.
Sessions that are supposed to begin promptly have instead been marked by chronic lateness. While the House of Representatives starts its sessions on time, the Senate frequently begins as late as noon, often only dedicating a mere two hours to their proceedings.
Insiders reveal that the Senate typically holds secret meetings prior to their official sessions, ostensibly to reach agreements beforehand. This practice has been blamed for the consistent delays in starting sessions. On some occasions, senators do not arrive until 1 PM, leaving insufficient time for substantive discussions during their main sessions.
A glaring example of this inefficiency occurred on Thursday, July 11, 2024. On this day, President Joseph Boakai sent a communication to the lawmakers regarding earth-moving equipment worth millions of dollars, procured through a questionable “gentleman’s agreement” with a longtime associate.
To mitigate potential backlash from lawmakers over this controversial “yellow machine” deal, a closed-door meeting was reportedly held to stifle resistance.
As a result, the Senate merely acknowledged the President’s communication without any meaningful deliberation or action.
This incident is not isolated. Last month, the absence of senators from a scheduled Tuesday session left journalists and Capitol Building staffers perplexed and discontented. In contrast, the House of Representatives convened as planned, highlighting the Senate’s glaring lack of accountability.
Despite constitutional provisions mandating legislative sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, no senators were present, and the Senate’s press bureau offered no explanation for their absence.
The Senate’s abandonment of its duties coincides with scrutiny over a recent retreat, which reportedly cost about $US700,000 for just three days.
This expenditure has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups, media commentators, and concerned citizens, who demand transparency and accountability in financial matters.
Much of the criticism has been directed at Senate President Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence. Once hailed as the “Rescue Mother” for her political efforts, she now faces growing disillusionment among her supporters, with some derisively referring to her as the “Rescue Mafia.” This shift in perception underscores the deepening dissatisfaction with her leadership.
The Liberian Senate’s failure to adhere to its constitutional mandates and its tendency to prioritize secret meetings over public sessions have eroded public trust. The lack of transparency, accountability, and timely action raises serious questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the Senate under Karngar-Lawrence’s tenure.
As the public’s frustration grows, it is imperative for the Senate to address these concerns and restore its commitment to serving the Liberian people.
Transparency, accountability, and adherence to legislative duties are not optional but essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of the citizenry.
The Senate must urgently rectify its course to avoid further erosion of its credibility and to fulfill its role as a critical pillar of Liberia’s democracy.
