Senate Cites Public Works Minister, Others Over Road Projects …As Senate Convenes Special Session
By: Laymah Kollie
Monrovia -August 23,2023-: The Liberian Senate Plenary has voted unanimously to cite Public Works Minister Ruth Coker-Collins and her Deputies to appear before the Senate Committee of a whole on August 23,2023.
The appearance of authorities of the Ministry is to provide a comprehensive progress report on the rehabilitation of roads particularly the Southeastern primary road corridors.
Those cited include: Hon. Joseph Todd, Deputy for Administration, Hon. Amos Barclay, Deputy for Technical Service as well as Hon. Kaustella Sarsia, Assistant Minister for Operations.
The decision by the Liberian senate to cite the Ministers was predicated upon reports by the Senate Public Account Committee that the Ministers refused to appear on August 14, 2023 before the committee to provide briefing on the progress on the rehabilitation of the road as was mandated by the Liberian Senate before its adjournment on last July 28, 2023.
It can be recalled that the Liberian Senate recently left the Ministers under oath for thirty days to make a progress report on the Rehabilitation of the road corridors to the Joint Committee comprising, the Committee on Public Works and Rural Development as well as Public Account and Audit.
The motion was filed by RiverGee County Senator Jonathan BoyCharles Sogbie.
“ I move if I can be seconded that this plenary cite Minister of Public Works and Deputies to a committee of a whole on tomorrow Wednesday to tell us the progress of this road corridors” Sen. Sogbie said.
The motion was jointly seconded by the Senate to cite minister Collins and deputies.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Senate has officially reconvened a two week special sitting of the 54th National Legislature.
Speaking during the opening on Tuesday August 22, 2023, Senate Pro-Tempore Albert T. Chie said the plenary will continue debate on the Public Health Law, the National Elections Commission preparedness to conduct the October 2023 elections the confirmation of nominees of the Liberia Anti- Corruption Commission, the passage of free tuition act and other matters of national concerns.
“ The Senate convenes today for a special session to consider time- bound matters of national interest inline with Article 32(b) of the 1986 constitution. Let me thank you for cutting short your constituency visit and return to the capitol to attend to these matters. This call also comes in the middle of the campaign period and we are especially grateful for the consideration of honoring our call”
However, the Liberian Senate is expected to cite the National Elections Commission board of commissioners in subsequent time on matters relating to the conduct of a free, fair, transparent and credible elections in Liberia.
