New Democrat (Monrovia)

Liberia: Lawmakers Somersault On Broh's Confirmation?

What Appears to be a change of mind on the return of Mary T. Broh to the post of the Mayor of the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), is now unfolding at the Capitol, seat of the National Legislature.

Members of the Liberian Senate recently opposed the re-appointment of Madam Broh, a once controversial Mayor who resigned the post following a rift with members of the House of Representatives.

The senators, majority of who decried the President for re-appointing Broh to the post, said in the plenary that she was not the only qualified individual that could perform the task of a City Mayor in the country.

One of those at the time, Sen. Jonathan Baney (Rivercess County-Unity Party), said that discussing Mary Broh was of no essence. He said had he known earlier that she was going to be the topic for the day, he wouldn't have responded to the call. "Madam Broh is of no relevance now to this present government. I think we erred a bit when we did not reject that nomination upfront. I think this is why we are seating here today. Fellow colleagues, I call on you to reject the nomination of Broh," he said as he cautioned his colleagues to stop making Mary Broh a 'star.'

But activities at the senate regarding the issue now suggest that she would be confirmed by that august body.

A recent approach by the senate to reject or discuss the issue of Madam Broh was tabled by Sen. Gbezohngar Findley, Senate President Pro-tempore who clashed with some of his colleagues for taking what they described as an "unprecedented decision."

At the capitol yesterday, a senate's communication to the house also showed that legislative lobbyist are now doing all they could to ensure the confirmation of Broh to the post.

In the letter, although members of the Liberian Senate reaffirmed their commitment to the House on Broh, they differed with them on their stance that she is not a 'governmental material,' the real stance of members of the House of Representative against the once controversial city mayor. "The Senate would want to inform you that it stands by you for your action against the two former officials (Mary T. Broh and Grace T. Kpan).

"...We differ on the issue that the two individuals are 'non-governmental materials' expressed in your communication of July, 10, 2013," a portion of the Senate's letter read in the House plenary Tuesday stated. Upon reading the communication from the senate, some of the Representatives questioned "why now."

At a recent press conference also, Sen. Findley told Journalists that re-affirming their commitment to the House does not mean that the Senate has rejected Madam Broh's nomination.

He also told journalists that a motion to reconsider Broh, advocated for by Sen. Isaac Nyenabo, one of those lawmakers lobbying for her return, would be tested when they return from their Independent's Day break next week.

With the stance of the senate, some lawmakers have confided in this paper that Madam Broh would be confirmed to the post.

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Comments Post a comment

  • TARNUE GBELEWALA
    Jul 25 2013, 11:31

    President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is the head of all branches of government in Liberia. She will do and get whatever she want. One thing she does not want is the passages code of conduct bill, this why bill is still at capitol building with no action by lawmakers. Passing this bill will hold everyone feet to the ground including president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, this why the code of conduct bill will never pass.

  • war crime tribunal support
    Jul 25 2013, 19:47

    Madam President, these fools are belle driven and so you can used them any way, this is the reason 90% had to bribe their way through the heartless National Election Commission. Give them some dollars they pass any bill for you, they are hungry, shame, shame on ;;;;;