Senator complains appointees

Lofa County Senator George T. Tengbeh is complaining that some presidential appointees are allegedly by-passing confirmation hearing and taking over government institutions, urging his colleagues to do a formal communication to President George Manneh Weah to advise his appointees to abide by Article 54 of the Constitution.

The Lofa Senator wrote his colleagues recently to complain some of President Weah’s appointees who he says are allegedly taking over agencies and ministries, saying they must face confirmation hearing before taking over government institutions.

Speaking in their regular session Tuesday, 6 February, Sen. Tengbeh said there were some people who were appointed by the president that are going to working without confirmation, and in his mind it is not right.

He says on the day of the riot at the University of Liberia, the appointed City Mayor of Monrovia had a program at the Monrovia City Hall, followed by the Paynesville City Corporation and the Internal Affairs Minister.

Sen. Tengbeh notes that Article 54 of the Constitution gives the power to the President to nominate officials with the consent of the Senate. He argues that it is against the constitution for any nominee who is yet to appear before the Senate committee to be seen at work executing functions.
He wants the Senate to erect a checkpoint by doing a formal communication to President Weah to advice his nominees to abide by Article 54 of the Constitution.

Also speaking, River Gee County Senator Matthew Jaye says when an official is appointed by the President and has not been confirmed by the Liberian Senate, such official cannot go to that Ministry until they are confirmed. He therefore urges those allegedly by- passing confirmation to to stop. Meanwhile, the Pro-Tempo of the Senate Albert Chie has received the matter and says it will be discussed.

By Bridgett Milton– Edited by Winston W. Parley