Sen. Coleman’s motion defeated

Grand Kru County Senator Peter Coleman has seriously differed with his colleagues in the LiberianSenate, currently attending “Extraordinary Session” over discussing exclusively issues emanating from the Executive against issues of national concern.

After the Senate agenda was read over the weekend, which was adopted by plenary, Senator Coleman filed a motion, arguing that though the “Extraordinary Session”ispredicated on presidential proclamation, their discussions should not center only on concerns coming from the President.

He said other issues of national concern, such as the University of Liberia’s proposed increment in tuition, should also be debated on the floor because it is also an issue of national concern. The Liberian Senate at its first “Extraordinary Sitting” of the 4thSession of the 53rd Legislature over the weekend held a heated debate on what constitutes issues of national concern that should be included on the agenda for discussion. They also argued whether issues of national concern should only be identified by the President since the legislature’s reason for extending its regular session derived from a proclamation by PresidentSirleaf.

The argument among the senators was prompted by a recent Proclamation by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,asking the Legislature to extend its 4th Regular Session to enable them discuss or act upon matters of national interest.

Coleman’s argument was also supported by Grand Cape Mount County Senator Varney Sherman, who also emphasized that during the extraordinary sitting, the Senate leadership should identify issues of national concern for discussion besides matters arising from the Executive.

However, Senators Milton Teahjay and Dan Moriasof Sinoe and Maryland Counties, respectively countered the views of their two colleagues from Grand Kru and Grand Cape Mount Counties. They argued that including other issues in their discussion apart from those being proposed by the President would give the senate a workload that will not be completed during the six-week sitting. The argument was later laid to rest after Senator Coleman’s motion to include additional issues on the Senate agenda was unanimously defeated.

– By Ben P. Wesee