By Bill W. Cooper
Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has issued a stern warning against any future ‘unlawful demonstrations’ intended to disrupt Senate activities and spread false information by staffers.
However, the warning comes in the wake of a statement released by the staffers, expressing their frustration over the Senate’s failure to disburse additional compensation for extended working hours (extra sitting) before the legislature in December of last year.
The staffers, in their press statement, expressed their grievances, noting that many had not received their extra sitting pay for the last extra sitting called by President Joseph Boakai before the close of the special day.
They also argued that the lack of timely compensation undermines their morale and ability to perform their duties effectively, thus calling for immediate action from Senate leadership to resolve the payment delays.
But in her opening address yesterday, January 13, 2025, the Grand Bassa County Senator said, “We will like to inform the leadership of the Senate staffers, that the senate will no longer tolerate unlawful disruptions of the Senate functions and misleading information to the public.”
She also emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and professionalism within the Senate, noting, “While we understand the compensation concerns, there are appropriate channels to address these issues.”
Pro-Temp Karnga-Lawrence also maintained, “The Liberian Senate had three special sittings in 2024, and all staff were paid for two sittings, and the payment for the final sitting is being processed from the 2025 national budget that was signed by the President after the press statement from the leadership of the staffers.”
“The press conference by the leadership accusing the Senate of denying staff Special siting benefits is false and misleading, as such, we wish to encourage the leadership to always use the options of engagement and proper research to address matters of concern,” she said.
According to her, in as much they are committed to addressing concerns and ensuring the well-being of staffers, these financial issues and unwanted demonstrations that disrupt their work will only hinder the country’s progress.
She added that as part of dignifying staffers, her leadership has addressed water and sanitation issues which have been a major concern over the years, coupled with the provision of two buses and the funding for health insurance even though the process to select a provider is ongoing by the Senate Rules, Order and Administration (ROA) Committee.
She asserted, “We also ensure that a waiting and entertainment room was built and dedicated for all drivers of Senators and in central administration, and we plan on doing more of these in this year (2025) for our staff.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Karnga-Lawrence had also mandated the ROA committee headed by Maryland County Senator Gbleh-bo Brown to investigate the matter and take necessary action to serve as deterrence.
