Liberia: Nyonblee Elected Liberia First Female Pro-Tempore

Grand Bassa County ranking Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence was, on Monday, January 15, elected unopposed as Liberia’s first democratically elected president Pro-tempore. 

Presiding over the opening ceremony of the First Session of the 55th Session yesterday, the Secretary of the Senate, J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh, declared a vacancy for the position of Senate Pro-tempore.

Consequently, Senator Lawrence and her Grand Bassa County compatriot, newly elected Gbehzohngar Milton Findley, were separately nominated. However, interestingly, Findley, a former Pro-Tempore, declined and instead cast a ballot in her favor.

In her post-election speech, the Pro-tempore noted that the position comes with huge responsibility, and, as such, she called on her colleagues and supporters to support her in her new role. “As I embark on this journey, I am profoundly mindful of the weight of the duties and responsibilities that come with it,” she said. “The position of President Pro Tempore carries with it a solemn obligation to uphold the principles of the doctrine of the separation of powers and to maintain the independence, credibility, and integrity of the Liberian Senate.” 

“To this cause, I pledge to discharge these duties with firm dedication, impartiality, and a deep sense of respect for every senator, irrespective of political persuasions.”

“We have a duty, and we must do it! Over the last couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside members of the Senate, regardless of political affiliation, to address the pressing issues facing our country,” she said. “I firmly believe that by fostering constructive dialogue, finding common ground, and seeking bipartisan solutions, we can make steady progress through legislative oversight and the enactment of legislation that will positively impact our country and people.”

The Senate Pro-Tempore, who dedicated the historic moment to the loving memory of her late husband, Adolph A. Lawrence, has already drawn plans for her first 100 days in office with a focus on strengthening the legislative process, ensuring open and transparent legislative proceedings, enhancing legislative oversight, and improving the legislative work environment.

“As I embark upon this important role, it is crucial to establish a clear plan of action for my first 100 days in office as President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate,” she said. “This plan will focus on strengthening the legislative process, ensuring open and transparent legislative proceedings, enhancing legislative oversight, and improving the legislative work environment to include the welfare of legislative staff.” 

This blueprint, when formulated in close consultation with the leadership of the Liberian Senate, will outline key priorities and initiatives to help me effectively steer the affairs of this august body, foster positive change, and make an everlasting impact.

It is no secret that Liberia is overwhelmed with unparalleled challenges ranging from economic uncertainty, bad road connectivity, public health crises, drug epidemics, and youth unemployment to many other social and structural contradictions. 

To these, the Grand Bassa County Senator, who expressed humility and honor in being bestowed upon the tremendous responsibility and privilege of serving the 55th National Legislature and Liberia as the President Pro Tempore, noted, “It is imperative that we, as Members of the Liberian Senate, rise to meet these challenges with courage, passion, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our fellow citizens.”

In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Pro-Tempore Karnga Lawrence promised to declare and publish her assets this week. ‘As a mark of transparency and accountability, and in order to lead by example, I hereby inform you that I will declare my assets and liabilities as well as publish them this week,” she said. “I encourage my distinguished senators to make every effort to do the same.”

She welcomed the newly elected senators, adding that their knowledge and expertise will be highly sought to enhance the work of the Upper House.

She urged her colleagues to move forward with optimism, unity, and a shared determination to build a better future for Liberia.

“To the newly inducted Senators, we again extend our heartfelt congratulations and welcome you to the "House of Elders." We are excited about the addition of former leaders of the Legislature, former officials of government, and professionals with different expertise to this Senate,” she said. “I do not doubt that your expertise and experiences will certainly add more value to the Liberian Senate, and assist in accomplishing the goals of our agenda for a more vibrant, independent, and reformed Senate.” 

She expressed gratitude to her predecessor, Sen. Albert T.Chie, for his leadership in bringing all Senators together to build a consensus, a factor that helped to land us here.

She added that the milestone accomplishment wouldn't have been made possible without the consistent and unwavering support of esteemed colleagues, supervised by Sen. Jeremiah Koung, Vice President-elect, and Sen. James Biney, our new Chair on Executive, the Independent Senators, and our support staff.

Her election, she also said, is truly a life-changing moment for me in particular and the women of Liberia‌. “For me, this preferment is not just a personal feat, but a testament to the trust and confidence that you, my esteemed colleagues, have reposed in me.

“To my people of Grand Bassa County, the citizens and residents of Grand Bassa County, I am here because of you, and I want to thank you for the confidence you reposed in me to represent our great county at the legislature. As a woman, I am much honored to be the first amongst equals in a male-dominated Senate of twenty-seven powerful, influential, and experienced men,” she said.

Karnga-Lawrence’s victory came as no surprise. It was expected that she would have been a consensus against the backdrop of a notable display of political loyalty and sacrifice. This comes as a reward for her unwavering support of Joseph Nyuma Boakai during his presidential campaign. The Senator's endorsement of Boakai’s bid for the presidency was a bold move, especially as prominent figures such as Alexander Cummings, Benoni Urey, and Henry Costa became staunchly opposed to Boakai’s campaign.

However, Karnga-Lawrence not only promised her unwavering support but also vowed to make sure that her political ambitions were realized with Boakai as president. In return for her steadfastness, Boakai vowed to support her bid for Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate — a significant milestone that would make her the second woman to hold such a position.

Now, with Senator Karnga-Lawrence has been elected on a white ballot, it appears that Boakai has fulfilled his promise. This development not only reflects recognition of her political sacrifices, but is also a testament to her capabilities as a leader within the Senate.

Though the first female to be elected to the post, she is however, the second woman to occupy the position, after Grace Beatrice Minor, a Senator of Montserrado County, who served as the first female President Pro Tempore of the Senate from 2002 to 2003. Minor, like all those who served as Senate Pro-Tempore under Taylor, was appointed by the head of state.

Karnga-Lawrence’s success in achieving this feat would not only be significant for her political career, but for women's representation in Liberian politics.

Meanwhile, by Senate Rule, several Senators have been elected through white ballot to serve on Standing Committees, following the announcement by Protempore Lawrence of the existence of vacancies.

Maryland County Senator James Binney chairs the committee on executive; Senator J. Gbleh-bo Brown, Rules, Order and Administration; Senator Abraham Darius Dillin, Committee on Foreign Affairs; the committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget is chaired by Senator Prince K. More; while Senator Primce Y. Johnson chairs the committee on Internal Affairs.

 The Senate Committee on Judiciary is now chaired by Sinoe County Senator Augustine Chea; the Committee on Health is chaired by incoming Grand Cape Mount Senator, Dabah M. Varpilah; while the chairmanship of the Committee on Education and Administration goes to Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill. The outgoing Senate Pro-tempore, Albert Tugbe Chie, is chairing the committee on Public Works; Bomi County Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe and Alex Tyler will represent Liberia at the ECOWAS Parliament; the committee on Defense, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs is now headed by the newcomer Lofa County Senator Momo Cyrus; the Public Account committee is now chaired by former Finance Minister, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Mohammed Konneh. Other standing and long-standing committees are expected to be named and/ or appointed subsequently.

However, as the nation moves forward, it will be interesting to see how Senator Karnga-Lawrence’s leadership unfolds and the impact she will have in her new role, representing not only her constituents in Grand Bassa County but also the aspirations of women across Liberia.