As the Liberian Senate resumes session today, a wave of frustration rippled through the chamber as several senators voiced their concerns over what they perceive as a lack of action under the leadership of Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence.
Once a vocal advocate in opposition, Karngar-Lawrence is now being criticized for the Senate’s muted stance on critical national issues.
Senators Gbleh-Bo Brown of Maryland, Nathaniel McGill of Margibi, and Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi are among those expressing their discontent. They lamented on the apparent discontent that has gripped the Senate, a stark contrast to Karngar-Lawrence’s earlier days of active advocacy.
While they acknowledged her efforts in certain areas, the senators pointed out that the Senate has largely failed to take a stand against questionable actions by the Executive Branch of Government under the Baokai-led administration.
Senator McGill, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Education, specifically called on Karngar-Lawrence to lead a more robust oversight effort. He emphasized that under her unopposed election to the position, there is an expectation for her to defend the Legislature’s constitutional powers against Executive overreach.
McGill drew attention to the administration’s disregard for legislative authority, such as the Liberia Petroleum and Refinery Company (LPRC) borrowing $9 million without legislative approval.
He argued that such actions undermine the Legislature’s constitutional mandate. “Even under our administration, if the Managing Director went and got approval from the Ministry of Finance or just a management committee that went and borrowed US$9 million without this Legislature was wrong; they had no authority because the Constitution gives us that power,” McGill asserted.
Senators Edwin Snowe and Gbleh-Bo Brown echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the Liberia National Police (LNP) also took a $6 million loan without legislative approval, yet the Senate has remained silent.
They stressed that such issues should be promptly addressed rather than ignored. McGill’s remarks were not just critiques but a call to action.
He reminded Pro-Tempore Karngar-Lawrence that her role is to serve the public interest, not just the interests of the ruling Unity Party’s Rescue Mission. He urged her to use her position to uphold the Legislature’s authority and ensure accountability within the Executive Branch.
The senators’ outcry is rooted in specific grievances: the unauthorized financial decisions by government entities such as the LPRC and LNP, which undermine the Legislature’s role and potentially jeopardize national financial stability.
They argue that without legislative oversight, these entities could make unilateral decisions that may not align with the country’s best interests.
Senator Edwin Snowe of Bomi underscored the need for transparency and accountability. “We voted as the head of us, not the head of Rescue Mission,” he stated, emphasizing that the Senate’s loyalty lies with the people of Liberia, not political factions.
This wave of dissatisfaction comes as the Senate kicks off its second quarter. Senators hope to see a shift in leadership style from Karngar-Lawrence, one that will reinvigorate the Senate’s role in governance.
The lawmakers maintain that the Senate must reclaim its voice and fulfill its constitutional duties, ensuring that the Executive is held accountable and that the interests of the Liberian people are protected.
As the session progresses, all eyes will be on Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence. The senators’ demands for a more proactive and assertive Senate underscore a broader need for balanced governance and the protection of legislative integrity in Liberia’s democratic framework.
