Senator McGill Wants Robust Legislature -As Sen. Nimely calls for Executive, Legislative Coordination

By: Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr 

MONROVIA: Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill is calling for a robust Legislature starting with the Liberian Senate which is considered as the House of Elders in ensuring that they play their oversight role adequately.

Senator McGill said the Liberian Senate has failed to adequately perform its oversight role, an action he believes will not aid in addressing some of the pressing needs of the Liberian People.

The Margibi County Senator has urged members of the Liberian Senate and National Legislature at large to do away with party politics in the discharge of their responsibilities as the people’s representatives, noting it will enhance development and growth across the country.

According to former the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, the Executive Branch of government over the years has allegedly disregarded the oversight responsibility of the National Legislature, particularly the Liberian Senate.

Senator McGill sharing his experience before the plenary of the Senate upon return to duty at the Liberian Senate on Thursday, May 16, 2024, alleged that the management of Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company (LPRC) borrowed a sum of nine million United States dollars (USD9m) without legislative approval.

6The Margibi County Senator noted that such action by the LPRC’s management and any government institution is in gross disregard and violation of the National Legislature oversight responsibility.

Senator McGill furthered that the Liberian Senate consistent silence on critical national issues and allowing the Executive Branch of Government to make legislative decision is alarming and must be addressed by the Senate leadership.

The Coalition for Democratic Change ( CDC) stalwart said it is about time that the Liberian Senate take charge of its responsibility and stop shifting blame on past administration for failure to perform properly.

He added that despite being an opposition senator and his critical stance on issues at the Liberian Senate, his office will remain supportive to the deeds of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai provided they are in the interest of the Liberian people.

He maintained that he will remain consistent in checkmating the Unity Party led government but promised to support it agenda that serves the best interest of Liberia and its people.

For his part, Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely has called for coordination between the Executive and Legislative Branches of the Liberian Government.

Senator Yaya Nimely addressing plenary on Thursday, May 16, 2024, said coordination is lacking between the two branches of government, a situation he believes is creating bottle-neck in addressing the issues confronting the ordinary citizens.

The Grand Gedeh County Senator used the Kinjor situation as a case study which according to him the Legislature provided different report on the incident while the Executive had different report.

He noted that the people of Kinjor in Grand Cape Mount County have yet to be given justice due to what he termed as complete lack of coordination between the branches of the Liberian government. Senator Nimely intimated that no government can function properly with robust actions when it activities are not properly coordinated.