By Bill W. Cooper
The Champlain of the Liberian Senate, General Rev Michael Holder has revealed that Liberia’s former Vice President Joseph Boakai will not become a President of Liberia because he is miserly.
Rev. Holder, delivering his sermon on Monday, January 16, 2023 during the official opening of the 6th session of the 54th Legislature, stated that it had been revealed to him on countless occasions that the country’s former VP who served for the past twelve years always presents himself like he does not own anything.
He maintained that it was a constant revelation that he has had in recent times, while at the same time thanked Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor for catering to his medical bills during his illness.
Following the Revelation from the Senate Chaplain, he immediately received a promise from Senate Pro-tempore Albert Chie that he, Michael Holders will receive a brand-new vehicle in the first week of March this year.
Senator Chie at the same time also promised that members of the Liberian Senate will during its 6th and final session conduct assessment and evaluation of the implementation of agreements that were ratified by both 53rd and 54th National Legislature.
Pro-tempore Chie named the areas of mining, telecommunications, trade, commerce, industry, agriculture and among others as major concessions expected to be assessed and evaluated for the common good of the country and its citizenry.
However, the Grand Kru County Senator’s statement came amidst series of criticisms from the public against lawmakers for the passage of what they described as “Bogus laws” in their own interest at the detriment of the country and its citizens.
Additionally, many also believed that the Pro-tempore’s assertion was triggered as a result of series of complaints from Bomi County citizens concerning the renegotiation of the Western Cluster deal that is not in the interest of the county.
The citizens also frowned on their Senator, Edwin Melvin Snowe on grounds that he could not prioritize their interest despite being a top ranking member of the Liberian government negotiation team that has been engaging the company to resume operations in Bomi, Grand Cape, and Gbarpolu Counties.
But in response to the citizens’ concerns, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe immediately relinquished his position as focus person in the renegotiation of the controversial Western Cluster deal.
He stressed that he has done no wrong and that his only crime is to ensure that the company resumes operations and provide jobs for citizens of Bomi or relinquish the MDA signed with the government for 25 years for the purpose of mining iron ore.
Delivering his remark at the official opening of the 6th session of the 54th National Legislature yesterday in Monrovia, Pro-tempore Chie also disclosed plans by the Senate to carry out assessment and evaluation of the implementation of the various maritime related agreement approved by the Legislature.
He explained that the revised Public Health Law will also be debated and that certain controversial provisions which include right to life, administration of county health offices among others will be critically reviewed and passed on to Senators.
“On government’s domestic debt and debts owed commercial banks by Liberian businesses and individuals, in this secession, the Senate will request the Ministry of Finance to provide names and other information of vendors and businesses owed and paid from the 2022 National Budget,” he said.
According to him, the Senate will also invite before plenary authorities of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to provide information surrounding the difficulties Liberians are going through in accessing Liberian Dollars Banknotes despite the printing of LRD48 billion.
On the state of the Country security, Chie stated further that the Senate will work with the Armed Forces of Liberia in reviewing its existing rules to ensure that they are updated in line with International best practice and Article 34(b) and 34(c) of the Liberian Constitution.
On Foreign Relations, the Grand Kru County Senator indicated further that plenary will seek information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on tangible benefits derived in the interest of the country and also explain all the issues raised about the illegal issuance of the country’s passports among others in respect to Liberia’s Foreign policy implementation.
