A simmering conflict between the staff of the Liberian Senate and Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrence has emerged, stemming from disagreements over staff benefits and salaries. The discord became public during the opening of the Second Session of the 55th Legislature when Pro-Tempore Kangar-Lawrence issued a stern warning to the Staffers Association against what she termed “unlawful disruptions” and the dissemination of “misleading information.” This followed a press conference held by the staffers, where they accused the Pro-Tempore of withholding their benefits and salaries from the recently concluded special session. The Pro-Tempore refuted these claims, asserting that the accusations were false and misleading.
Pro-Tempore Kangar-Lawrence clarified the situation regarding the special session payments. According to her, the Liberian Senate held three special sittings in 2024, and staff members received payment for two of those sessions. She explained that the processing of payments for the final special sitting was underway, utilizing funds from the 2025 National Budget, which had recently been signed into law by President Joseph N. Boakai. This processing, she noted, commenced after the staffers’ press conference. She emphasized her desire for a more productive working relationship with the staff, encouraging them to engage in proper research and utilize established channels of communication, specifically through the chairperson of the Rules, Order and Administration committee, whom she described as accessible and cooperative.
Beyond the salary dispute, Pro-Tempore Kangar-Lawrence also provided updates on other administrative matters within the Senate. She addressed the issue of redundant staff within the Rule Order and Administration (ROA) and Central Administration, stating that the Senate, in collaboration with the Civil Service Agency, had retired 43 individuals. These retirees, she explained, had served the Senate for over 15 years or were 65 years of age and older, with the oldest retiree being 83. In addition to their standard civil service benefits, each retiree received a “handshake” payment as a token of appreciation for their years of service.
Further updates included the Senate’s review and amendment of its Rules during a retreat in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, in June 2024. These amended rules, she reported, had been printed and distributed to all Senators. Renovation work on the Senate building, including the original Senate Chambers, was also underway. Regarding security, the Liberia National Police had been tasked with overseeing security at the Senate, working in conjunction with the Senate’s security department, until permanent security measures were implemented by the Defense and Security Committee.
Pro-Tempore Kangar-Lawrence also outlined plans for enhancing security around the Capitol Building. Arrangements were being finalized with the Minister of Public Works to install solar-powered streetlights to improve nighttime visibility and deter criminal activity. Additionally, the Security and Defense Committee was exploring the installation of a state-of-the-art CCTV surveillance system to cover key areas within and around the Capitol. This system, she explained, would facilitate real-time monitoring, enabling swift responses to incidents and aiding in post-event investigations.
Finally, Pro-Tempore Kangar-Lawrence expressed condolences on behalf of the Senate to the families and counties of several deceased senators and former government officials. These included Senator Sumo Kupee of Lofa County, Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County, Senator Joyce Musu Freeman-Sumo of Montserrado County, former Vice President John D. Gray, and former President Pro-Tempore Senator Cletus Segbe Wotorson of Grand Kru County. A book of condolence was opened for Senator Prince Johnson, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 72 and was scheduled for interment in his home county of Nimba. This announcement concluded her address, highlighting the somber backdrop of loss against which the ongoing internal disputes within the Senate were unfolding.
The situation reveals a complex dynamic within the Liberian Senate. While the Pro-Tempore emphasizes efforts towards progress in various areas, including staff retirement, building renovations, and security upgrades, the underlying tension with the staff regarding benefits and salaries remains a significant concern. Her insistence that the staff’s accusations are misleading, coupled with the ongoing investigation into the matter by the Rules, Order and Administration Committee, suggests a deeper discord that requires resolution. The Pro-Tempore’s call for better communication and engagement may be a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Senate.
The timing of the staff’s press conference, immediately before the President signed the 2025 budget, raises questions about the motivations behind the public airing of grievances. Whether the timing was strategic or coincidental, it has undoubtedly added to the tension. The Pro-Tempore’s assertion that the processing of the final special session payments began after the press conference may be perceived by the staff as a reactive measure rather than a proactive solution. This perception could further fuel the discontent and hinder efforts to mend the relationship between the Pro-Tempore and the staff.
The retirement of a significant number of staff members, while presented as a collaborative effort with the Civil Service Agency, also raises questions about potential restructuring and its impact on the remaining staff. The “handshake” payments, while intended as a gesture of goodwill, could be interpreted by some as an attempt to mitigate potential backlash from the retirements. The overall impact of these retirements on the Senate’s operations and the morale of the remaining staff remains to be seen.
The focus on security enhancements, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights and a CCTV surveillance system, underscores the importance of safety and security around the Capitol Building. These measures, while welcome, also highlight potential vulnerabilities and the need for increased vigilance. The collaboration with the Liberia National Police indicates a proactive approach to addressing security concerns, but the long-term sustainability of these measures will depend on the implementation of permanent solutions by the Senate’s Defense and Security Committee.
The backdrop of loss, with the passing of several prominent senators and former government officials, adds a poignant layer to the existing tensions within the Senate. The public expression of condolences by the Pro-Tempore serves as a reminder of the human element within the political arena. The passing of Senator Prince Johnson, a controversial figure in Liberian politics, is particularly significant and will likely have far-reaching implications. His interment in Nimba County, his home region, is expected to be a significant event, potentially drawing large crowds and requiring heightened security measures.
The ongoing dispute between the Senate Pro-Tempore and the staff underscores the importance of open communication, transparency, and accountability in government operations. The Pro-Tempore’s call for better engagement and research is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to bridge the divide and restore trust. The investigation into the staff’s accusations by the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of this dispute.
