He made the pronouncement on Thursday, August 7, following the reading of the President’s letter on her declaration of a state of emergency in the country to help in the fight against the deadly Ebola disease.

A state of emergency, according to Article 86(b) of the Liberian Constitution, may be declared by the President in consultation with the National Legislature when there is a national crisis

The Pro-Tempore did not give any reasons why the decision will be made Friday.

During the Plenary regular sitting, many senators expressed concern over the manner in which the State of Emergency is being handled even though the National Legislature has not made any formal acceptance of the declaration.

Senator Prince Johnson said he will not vote in favor of the emergency if nothing is done to meet the basic needs of the people, such as food, shelter and clothing, while Senator Nyonblee Lawrence is opting for the government to re-define movements as enshrined in the emergency document.

The Senators noted that the government should allow the movement of communication firms to carry fuel and recharge cards to other counties to ensure that people keep in touch with their friends and families, while the exportation of food commodities to affected counties must also be considered, before things become chaotic.

The President on August 7 wrote the Senate for its endorsement of a State of Emergency which, among other things, seeks to restrict movements into areas not yet affected by the virus to prevent its spread.

It also seeks to quarantine persons and communities confirmed to be epicenters of the Ebola virus and to increase sensitization of the citizenry on the effects and measures to contain the disease.

By Winnie T. Dixon

LINA WTD/TSS/PTK