A day after Gbapolu County Senator Amara Konneh alluded to Senate disbursement of over 500k inclusive of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA), Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence had refuted said allegation.
During their Thursday, June 20 session, Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence stated “ The Senate operates by the constitution and rules and the rules provide for one spokesperson for the Senate and that the President Pro Tempore , therefore all information about the Senate retreat in the public that has been used to target senators is unofficial”
She refuted assertions of a separate DSA budget line for Senators, contrary to what Gbarpolu Senator Amara Konneh alluded to on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 on Facebook.
The recent allegations surrounding the expenditures of the Liberian Senate during their retreat in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, have sparked intense scrutiny and debate across the nation.
Accusations of overspending and misuse of funds prompted swift responses from key Senate figures, aiming to set the record straight and restore public confidence in their financial practices.
Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, addressing the media amidst mounting pressure, vehemently denied claims of unauthorized spending and improper financial conduct during the retreat.
She categorically refuted the existence of a separate Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) budget line for Senators, dismissing such assertions as baseless and misleading.
“The Senate operates strictly within the bounds of the Constitution and established rules,” Karnga-Lawrence affirmed, underscoring her role as the official spokesperson for Senate affairs.
She emphasized that all financial transactions related to the retreat, totaling US$47,000, were meticulously accounted for within the Senate’s Committee budget line.
Furthermore, Senator Prince K. Moye, Chairman of the Senate’s Ways, Means Finance, and Budget Committee, provided detailed insights into the financial logistics of the retreat.
Contrary to exaggerated claims circulating in the public domain, Moye clarified that the actual budget for the retreat amounted to US$50,000, not the inflated figure of US$700,000 as speculated.
“Out of the allocated US$50,000, US$47,000 was disbursed by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning,” Moye disclosed, outlining the breakdown of expenditures which included lodging, catering, media coverage, staff compensation, and security arrangements.
He emphasized that transparency and accountability remain paramount under Karnga-Lawrence’s leadership, reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to responsible financial management.
Addressing concerns about the Senate’s responsiveness to public needs amidst economic challenges, Moye assured that every expenditure was justified and aimed at enhancing legislative effectiveness.
He urged media outlets and critics to refrain from spreading unfounded allegations, urging anyone with evidence to the contrary to come forward.
Looking ahead, the Senate plans to undergo a comprehensive review of its financial management systems in collaboration with the General Auditing Commission (GAC). This initiative seeks to bolster transparency through digitalization efforts and the establishment of an open Senate website, where budgetary information will be readily accessible to the public.
In conclusion, the Senate’s proactive stance on financial oversight and governance reforms reflects a commitment to serving the interests of the Liberian people.
As debates continue, stakeholders anticipate further clarity and adherence to ethical standards in public office, underscoring the importance of accountable leadership in national development efforts.
