“I am Eager to Work with You” Pro-Temp Nyonblee Says as She Heads Senate Committees Elections

By: Laymah Kollie

Monrovia -January 16,2024: The newly elected Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate and the 55th National Legislature has assured of her willingness and commitment to work with members of that August Body. Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence of Grand Bassa who was elected on a white ballot on Monday, 15th January called for a collaborative effort in strengthening oversight and other aspects of the legislators functions.

During Monday’s opening of the 55th National Legislature and Pro-Tempore elections, two candidates were nominated to contest the post. Those nominated were: Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Gbehzohngar Findley of Grand Bassa.

Upon their nominations, Senator Gbehzohngar Findley declined his quest to contest the position, leaving Nyonblee to win on a white ballot. The vote was cast by former Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie of Grand Kru in consultation with other members on the floor.

Accepting the quest to serve the plenary of the Liberian Senate, Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence applauded members of that body for the trust reposed in her to lead the great men and women of the Senate.
She urged the body to collectively move forward with unity and optimism.

“Thank you! Finally, I wish to express my profound gratitude to all of you for entrusting me with this important position. I am eager to work collaboratively with each of you and to serve the Senate and the Liberian people to the best of my ability. For me, this preferment is not just a personal feat, but a testament to the trust and confidence that you, my esteem colleagues, have reposed in me.
Let us move forward with optimism, unity, and a shared determination to build a better future for our nation”

The Pro-Tempore outlined the strengthening of Legislative process, transparency, enhancing Legislative oversight, work environment and welfare of Legislative staffs as major plans her Administration will work to improve.
“Distinguished Colleagues, as I embark upon this important role, it is crucial to establish a clear plan of action for my first 100 days in office as President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate.
This plan will focus on strengthening legislative process, open and transparent legislative proceedings, enhancing legislative oversight, improving legislative work environment to include the welfare of legislative staffs.
This blueprint, when formulated in closed consultation with the leadership of the Liberian Senate, will outline key priorities and initiatives to help me effectively steer the affairs of this august body, foster positive change, and make an everlasting impact”

Furthermore, the female Pro-Tempore stated that inorder to achieve transparency and Accountability, she will lead the path by declaring her assets by this week.
She then encouraged other lawmakers to do same in the soonest possible time.

“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”

Meanwhile, the Senate Plenary also held an election of major positions which was presided over by the newly elected Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence.
Those elected as heads of committee are: James Biney of Maryland Chairperson on Executive, Abraham Darius Dillon of Montserrado Chair on Foreign Affairs, Albert Chie of Grand Kru Chair on Public Works, Augustine Chea of Sinoe Chair on Judiciary, Prince Moye of Bong Chair on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, Momo Cyrus of Lofa Chair on Defense, Intelligence and Security and Gble Gbo Brown of Maryland Chair on Rules and Order.

Others are: Nathaniel McGill of Margibi Chair on Education, Dabbah Varpilah of Cape Mount Chair on Health, Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu Chair on Public Account and Audit, Prince Johnson of Nimba Chair on Internal Affairs, Edwin Snowe and Alex Tyler of Bomi Senate’s Representatives at the ECOWAS