By Bill W. Cooper
Newly elected Senate Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, pointed out that her election victory represents a pivotal and transformative moment for Liberian women across the country.
Pro-Temp Karnga-Lawrence asserted that her win as Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate is a testament of the country’s push towards gender equality and female empowerment within Liberian politics.
Karnga-Lawrence, the current Senator of Grand Bassa County, won on a white ballot, following the decline of Grand Bassa County Senator, Milton Gbehzohngar Findley, who was earlier nominated to contest against his colleague for the Pro-Temp post.
The election victory came days after members of the outgoing ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) signed a resolution, to the gratitude of many, endorsing the Grand Bassa County Senator to lead the 55th Legislature.
The Farmington Hotel retreat over the weekend, witnessed 24 senators affixing their signatures to the resolution in the context of “give and take,” if they were to ensure that Sen. Karnga-Lawrence emerges as Pro-Tempore.
As the head of the Liberian Senate, Pro-Temp Karnga-Lawrence’s role is overseeing the country’s Senate proceedings, as well as serving as the chief administrator of that august body.
Speaking yesterday, January 15, 2024, Karnga-Lawrence maintained that her ascendancy not only signifies a personal achievement, but also serves as an inspiration for women across the country, demonstrating that they too can attain the highest political power.
This, she said, “As a woman, I am much honored to be the first amongst equals in a male-dominated Senate of 22 powerful, influential, and experienced men. On this note, I wish to give special recognition to the two powerful and resilient women from Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu counties for standing with me.”
“Today, it is common knowledge that politics in Liberia has very sadly become a no-zone for many Liberian women, out of fear of being bullied, maliciously slandered, and intimidated. My own story is a classic example of the things women in politics go through on a day-to-day basis.
But through it all, I remain internally grateful to God for his many blessings, the resilience and audacity he has given me to persevere, and it is my fervent hope that women of Liberia are inspired by this accomplishment and step to the occasion as we collectively endeavor to increase the presence of women in the National Legislature,” she urged.
She also expressed her determination to utilize her new role to advocate for policies and initiatives that directly benefit Liberian women, addressing long-standing challenges and promoting their inclusion in decision-making processes.
Giving her 100 days plan, the newly elected Pro-Tempore disclosed that the plan will focus on strengthening the legislative process, open and transparent legislative proceedings, enhancing legislative oversight, improving the legislative work environment, to include the welfare of legislative staffs.
According to her, the blueprint, when formulated in closed consultation with the leadership of the Senate, will outline key priorities and initiatives to help her effectively steer the affairs of body, fostering positive change, and make an everlasting impact.
Meanwhile, the Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence has also vowed to, in the coming days, declare and publish her Assets and other Liabilities, in keeping with the Code of Conduct of the country.
She noted, “So, as a mark of transparency and accountability, and in order to lead by example, I hereby inform that I will declare my Assets and Liabilities, as well as publish this week.”
“I encourage my Distinguished Senators to make every effort in doing same. We have a duty, and we must do! Over the last couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside members of the Senate, regardless of political affiliation, to address the pressing issues facing our country.”
“I firmly believe that by fostering constructive dialogue, finding common ground, and seeking bipartisan solutions, we can make steady progress through legislative oversight and enactment of legislations that will positively impact our country and people,” she added.
