As 54th Legislature Closes, Special Sitting Yields Zero Result

The 54^th Legislature was on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 announced closed by authorities of both chambers following the second 10-day Special Sitting necessitated by a proclamation by President George Manneh Weah.

It can be recalled that President Weah barely two weeks ago issued a proclamation for a 10-day special sitting for members of the Legislature to discuss issues of critical national concern as his Coalition for Democratic Change government prepares to turn over power to the Unity Party (UP).

During the special sitting, nothing tangible was heard at the House of Representatives, but all watchful eyes were shown on the conduct of the Senate on the heel of two controversial nominations to tenure positions by President Weah.  Cllr. Frank Musa Dean was nominated to the Supreme Court Bench, while Dr. Samora P.Z. Wolokolie was nominated as Commissioner General of Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).

In particular, the nomination by the Liberian leader of Cllr. Dean received serious mixed reactions with several individuals and rights groups expressing opposition to the President’s decision on grounds that it was untimely for such tenure position that is age-bound.

But despite the increasing public outcries, the nominee was still being forced to face the Senate’s Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition for confirmation hearing based on a motion proffered by Grand Cape Mount County Senator, Simeon Boima Taylor. 

But the Liberian Senate had to halt all confirmation proceedings following a writ of prohibition filed by the Unity Party. Besides, staffers of the Liberian Senate protested all days in demand of their extra sitting benefit, thus preventing norma workings of that august body.

Appointment of an Associate Justice by the President is backed by Article 54 (c) of the Liberian Constitution; however, it contravenes the Liberian leader’s own recent directive, in which he stated in County #4: “All new employment and service contracts across government institutions are hereby suspended. There shall be no promotions and salaries increase during this transition period.”

Liberians of all walks of life condemned the appointment, stating that the nomination for the position of Associate Justice by a President who then had less than 25 more days in office raises more questions than answer, and as such, the Senate should halt the proceed.

Secondly, many believe that the late appointment did not support President Weah’s own Presidential Directive, in which he halted all new employment and service contracts across government institutions.

The Senate was placed under similar pressure for Samora on grounds that it was also untimely and inexpedient. 

That means that the mean agenda of the President for which he recalled the lawmakers was not achieved, hence the Special Sitting yielded no result.  

Accordingly, speaking at the closure of the 54^th Legislature, the President Pro-tempore of the Liberian Senate Albert Tugbe Chie pointed out that though, the journey of the Senate leadership was full of challenges, the Senate took the sense of responsibility to ensuring that it remains crucible of democracy in the country, thereby providing political stability and serving as a reservoir for national leadership for the executive and Judiciary branches of government.

According to the Senate Pro-tempore, the Liberian Senate during its six years, helped to create the environment for economic growth, exercise overnight over the Executive and the Judiciary branches of government, stating that the august body instituted many Legislative reforms as well as representing the country abroad with distinction and implemented many projects all across the country.

Among other things, Pro-tempore Chie sent a massage of gratitude to his other colleagues who will not be returning for the 55^th Legislature for their public service and pray that another avenue be availed to them to contribute, noting that they still have the energy.