Photo: James M. Garresen, II/Executive Mansion

Mary Broh and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

The Liberian Senate has finally rejected the re-appointed of former Monrovia acting Mayor Madam Mary Broh.

The Senate's decision followed a vote by the body to recommit itself to earlier decree by the House of Representatives, declaring Madam Broh, a "non-Governmental material."

This means, President Sirleaf's bid to have her inseparable friend back in Government has suffered a huge setback, in what many described as a slap in the face.

The Senate, through its Plenary, has mandated that the decision be immediately communicated to the Chief Executive, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

President Sirleaf however is left with the option under the Constitution of Liberia to appoint Madam Broh again as acting mayor. At a special session last Friday in Plenary, majority of the Senators opposed Broh's second time nomination.

A House of Representatives' communication to the Senate among other things said: "We have learnt that Madam Broh has been re-nominated to the same position she was removed from directly or indirectly as a consequence of our action and is now before you for confirmation. The House wishes to remind you of your commitment and counts on you for your support as it sees this action as a grave disrespect to the entire legislature."

Following the reading of the communication, a motion was filed by Senator Henry Yallah of Bong County, calling for the communication to be open for discussion.

However, Senate President Pro-temp Gbehzohngar Milton Findley asked for the communication to be sent to committee room in keeping with the rules governing plenary.

Like Findley, Senators Oscar Cooper of Margibi County and Isaac Nyenabo of Grand Gedeh also called for seminar action to be taken in support of the Pro-temp's argument, but being in the minority, they lost the argument.

The intervention by Pro-temp Findley and others was denied by majority of the Senators, who argued that sending the communication to committee room was not necessary as the purpose of the special session was to discuss the issue.

Speaking during the discussion, Senator Geraldine Doe Sheriff of Montserrado County described Madam Broh as a very fine species and a workaholic, but one who did not respect the Liberian Legislature and described her action to obstruct justice as a complete affront to that body and the entire nation.