The Liberian Senate Thursday charged Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan with contempt after he failed to appear before its full plenary and provide information on the state of the national economy, especially the current fiscal budget.

The Senate had cited Minister Ngafuan to appear for the hearing before the full plenary on Thursday but he stayed away, and instead sent his deputies who were rejected by the Senators and thrown out of their chambers.

Acting Senate Leader, Daniel Nateehn, emphasized to journalists following an executive session on the matter that it is necessary for the finance minister to inform the Senate on the nature of the budget.

Senator Nateehn did not elaborate on the information being sought about the fiscal budget which has been reported to be experiencing difficulties in both tax and non-tax revenues causing a shortfall estimated at US$64 million.