By Bill W. Cooper
The halls of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church on Broad Street were on Saturday, September 2, 2023, filled with grief, as Senators from across the political spectrum came together to bid a heartfelt farewell to their fallen colleague, Senator Daniel Naahtan.
The Senators, led by Senate Pro-Temp, Albert Chie, during the tribute, lamented that the untimely death of their colleague, who they said was a fighter, has left a deep void in Liberia.
Sen. Naahtan, who was representing the people of Gbarpolu County at the Liberian Senate, died recently in India, where he had gone to do his routine medical check-up.
The news of the late Sen.’s passing came as a shock to the entire nation, as he was known for his unwavering dedication to public service and his commitment to the betterment of Liberia.
Naatehn, a respected statesman and seasoned politician, prior to his death, was Senate Committee Chairman on Transport, Co-Chairman on Health, Member on the Committees on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, Internal Affairs, Governance and Reconciliation, and Youth and Sports.
Naatehn, who was also widely admired for his tireless efforts in bringing about positive change and advocating for the interests of the Liberian people, was also the National Chairman of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) of Alexander B. Cummings.
Pro-Temp Chie, speaking on behalf of the Senate, expressed his deep condolences and described Naatehn as an exemplary public servant, and highlighted the senator’s unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and his dedication to ensuring that the voices of the Liberian people were heard.
According to Pro-Temp Chie, the late Senator was a critical voice during deliberations at the Senate, remembering Naahtan who he said was passionate about the development of Gbarpolu County and the Country at large.
This, the Grand Kru County Senator furthered, that the late Senator, on numerous occasions, always spoke with a loud voice about issues on the Senate floor, and mourned that the late Senator will be missed for his standpoint on issues within the Senate, especially his experience acquired based on his long service within the Legislature.
Pro-Temp Chie, at the same time, further described the late Senator as a “missing voice” within the Liberian Senate, who performed very well in his service.
Meanwhile, also paying tribute was the Standard Bearer of the Unity Party (UP), Joseph Nyumah Boakai, who spoke fondly of Senator Naahtan’s kindness, humility, and integrity, during his time on earth and at the Liberian Senate.
The country’s former Vice President further described him as a role model to aspiring politicians, emphasizing his ability to maintain his moral compass in the face of political pressures.
Boakai said, “Indeed, Senator Naahtan’s legacy extends far beyond the political realm. He was known for his philanthropic endeavors, with a particular focus on education and youth empowerment.”
“His efforts to improve access to quality education, especially in marginalized communities, earned him the respect and admiration of educators and students alike. Indeed, we have lost a good man and he will surely be missed by all,” Boakai lamented.
For his part, the Standard bearer of Alternative National Congress (ANC), Alexander B. Cummings, described the passing of his Chairman as one of the greatest losses of their party, as he boasted about the relationship both he and Sen. Naatehn shared before his untimely death.
Cummings further described the late Senator’s time at the Senate and in the ANC as remarkable, noting that the Senator during his time at the Senate championed numerous legislative initiatives aimed at promoting social justice, economic growth, and infrastructure development.
According to Mr. Cummings, the late senator was a unifying figure, known for his ability to bridge gaps and forge consensus among his colleagues, and indicated that the Sen. also embodied the spirit of bipartisanship and was highly regarded for his willingness to work across party lines for the betterment of Liberia.
This he added, “Senator Naahtan’s absence will undoubtedly be felt in the Senate, ANC and Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) by extension, where his absence will represent a tremendous loss of expertise, leadership, and experience.”
