By Bill W. Cooper
Members of the outgoing ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) have signed a resolution to the gratitude of many endorsing the candidacy of the Liberty Party’s ousted political leader Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, as the Senate Pro-Tempore in the 55th Legislature.
The Farmington Hotel retreat witnessed 24 senators affixing their signatures to the resolution in the context of “give and take,” if they are to ensure that Sen. Karnga-Lawrence emerges as Pro-Tempore.
The give and take package places Karnga-Lawrence as the President Pro-tempore; Augustine Chea, Chairperson on Judiciary; James Biney, Chairperson on Executive; Abraham Darius Dillon, Chairperson on Foreign Affairs, and Saah Joseph, Chairperson on Health.
Others are outgoing Pro-Temp Albert Chie, Chairperson on Public Works; Gble-bo Brown, Chairperson on Rules, Order, and Administration; Prince K. Moye, Chairperson on Ways, Means and Finance, and Armah Konneh, Chairperson on Public Accounts and Audits.
Jonathan Boy Charles Sogbie, Chairperson on Maritime; Simeon B. Taylor, Chairperson on Lands, Mines, Energy and Natural Resources; Edwin Melvin Snowe remains at ECOWAS Parliament while Nathaniel McGill goes as Chairperson on Education.
The resolution, also signed by independent lawmakers who make up majority members in the Senate, was done over the weekend, at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County, following months of negotiation among all parties.
According to our source, Sen. Karnga-Lawrence is the lone name being discussed for the position and Monday, January 15, 2024, which is the constitutional date, it is expected that if all negotiations remain intact, she will be officially announced as the new Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate symbolizing a gender-balanced leadership in the Legislature.
Representing Grand Bassa, Karnga-Lawrence, the current Committee Chairperson on Rules, Order, and Administration, when elected would be the second elected female Senate Pro-Tempore; the first was Grace Beatrice Minor, of Montserrado County who was elected in October 2002 after the death of then Senate Pro-Temp, Kekura Kpoto of Lofa.
Pro-Temp Minor remained in office up until 2003, under the government of Charles Ghankay Taylor, a position she served well.
Meanwhile, the resolution to nominate Sen. Karnga-Lawrence stems from internal negotiations led by Albert Chie, a staunch member of the CDC and in adherence to Article 47 of the Constitution, the exercise will be done through the casting of votes for the candidates of their choice. Kaarnga-Lawrence will officially be replacing Chie.
Pursuant to Rule 14, Section 1 of the Senate’s Standing Rules, “On the first day of the Regular Session, following a general and presidential election, the Secretary of the Senate, or in his or her absence, the Assistant Secretary of the Senate, whose term shall not expire until his or her successor is elected, shall call the Senate to order, conduct devotions, and announce to the senators present that the Senate is without a President Pro-tempore to serve for a term of six years.”
It adds, “The President Pro-tempore shall be elected by a simple majority of the duly seated senators. Election of the President Pro-tempore shall be held and the Secretary of the Senate shall then administer the office and appoint a Special Committee which shall escort the President Pro-tempore to his or her seat.”
It can be recalled that two other senators, Emmanuel Nuquay of Margibi and Gbehzohngar Findley of Grand Bassa were eying but few weeks into the speculation, the United States Government on December 12, 2023, surprisingly sanctioned Chie along with Nuquay, and Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, for an alleged act of rampant corruption in the government.
The sanction apparently weakened Nuquay who once opted for the post while it was further rumored that the former Pro-temp who was recalled by his kinsmen, Findley in 2017, remained adamant to his quest, informing legislative reporters that he would be contesting for the Pro-Tempore post and secretly formed his bloc.
Our sources added that the former Senate Pro-Tempore who lost his position due to his defeat by his people has returned and wants to reclaim the position therefore, but continues to hold consultations with four others who did not sign the resignation, seeking their advice on whether or not to still contest the position.
Legislatively, there is still an opportunity for anyone (senator) to throw his or her cap in the race by nomination on the floor to face Sen. Karnga-Lawrence, even on today, the day of the election as it is a process of contestation.
Also confirming Karnga-Lawrence’s Pro-Tempore election victory was Sen. Augustine Chie from Sinoe County, of the CDC, who took to his Facebook page saying, “We’ve lost the race for President Pro Tempore. Our candidate didn’t make it to the finish line. Even the party’s loyal senators that stayed the course until late Saturday afternoon when the Resolution of the Senate Retreat was signed by 17 senators in support of the other candidate, surrendered when we realized we’ve been conquered, or that with or without us, the deal was done.”
But adding insult to injury was the fact that some of the independent senators we depended on abandoned us, probably because of our choice of candidate and/or the failure to reach out to them early,” he said.
The Sinoe County Senator furthered, “Next Monday’s Senate President Pro Tempore election will be a mere formality. Senator Karnga-Lawrence will become the next President Pro Tempore.”
Karnga-Lawrence’s journey to this moment has been marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to serving her constituents and the nation as a whole.
Nevertheless, her election will undoubtedly inspire and empower future generations, proving that the pursuit of gender parity and inclusive representation is not only a moral imperative, but also a catalyst for progress and prosperity.
