The Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence has threatened staffers over their plan to unlawfully disrupt senate functions due to its alleged failure to pay arrears for extra sittings.
It can be recalled that senate staffers in a press engagement with journalists said the senate refused to pay their benefits for the extra sittings of the third quarter of 55th Legislature from December 15, 2024- January 6, 2025.
But speaking at the opening of the second sitting of the 55th Legislature, Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence said the Senate had three special sittings in 2024 and all staff were paid for two sittings.
She said the payment for the final sitting is being processed from the 2025 National Budget that was signed by the President Joseph Nyuma Boakai after the press statement from the leadership of the staffers.
“We would like to inform the leadership of the Senate staffers, that the Senate will no longer tolerate unlawful disruptions of its functions and misleading information to the public,” she said.
According to her, the staffers in a press conference by the leadership accused the Senate of denying them special sitting benefits, describing it as false and misleading.
Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence said the Senate leadership has asked the Rules Order and Administration Committee to investigate this matter and take appropriate actions.
She further encourages the leadership of the Staffers Association to always use the options of engagement and proper research to address matters of concern, adding that the chairperson of the Rules, Order and Administration Committee has been very accessible and cooperative.
In another development, Pro-Tempore Lawrence has disclosed that the body has asked the Liberia National Police (LNP) to take charge of the security at the Senate and work in collaboration with its security department until all security measures are put in place by their Defense and Security Committee.
“We ask for the cooperation of everyone to ensure the proper execution of measures that will be put in place. We are concluding arrangements with the Minister of Public Works for the installation of Solar-Powered Streetlights to enhance nighttime visibility and deter criminal activities around the Capitol Building,” she said.
Pro-Tempore Karnga-Lawrence said the Security and Defense Committee is also consulting for the installation of a state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance system covering all key areas within and around the Capitol Building.
She indicated that this will complement real-time monitoring that will enhance rapid response to any incidents and aid in post-event investigations.
She also said the senate in collaboration with the Civil Service Agency (CSA) has retired 43 persons, and in addition to their required civil service benefits, the Senate has given a handshake envelope to each retiree in appreciation of their services rendered.
She said those retired have worked at the Senate for more than 15 years or are 65 years and over, with the oldest retiree being 83 years.
By Tonita N. Copson
