MONROVIA, January 13 (LINA)-Twelve new senators-elect are expected to be inducted as full members of the Liberian Senate at the Capitol Building on Wednesday, January 14, in consonance with chapter 2, section 1 of the Senate standing rules.
The rule calls for the administration of the oath of office to each senator duly declared elected and certificated by the National Elections Commission in the Senate’s Chambers by the Secretary of Senate upon the orders of the Presiding officer.
The decision was taken Tuesday following recommendations for the initiation ceremony from the Committee on Rules, Order and Administration (ROA) and a subsequent motion by Nimba County Senator Thomas Grupee.
Earlier, the body had mandated the Committee on Rules and Administration to review credentials and certificates presented to the plenary on Monday, January 12, and make findings to the body for further actions.
The 12 senators to be inducted Wednesday shall serve a term of nine years consistent with Article 46 of the constitution which calls for such term upon the expiration of senators of the first category seats at the senate.
They are George Weah of Montserrado County, Jonathan Kaipay of Grand Bassa County, Francis Paye of Rivercess County, Milton Teahjay of Sinoe County, Jewel Howard Taylor of Bong County, Prince Johnson of Nimba County, Daniel Naathan of Gbarpolu County, and A. Marshall Dennis of Grand Gedeh County.
Others are Senators Stephen Zago of Lofa County, Gbleh-bo Brown of Maryland County, Albert T. Chie of Grand Kru County and Conmany B. Wesseh of River Gee County.
It is still unclear whether Senators elect Morris Saytumah of Bomi County, Varney Sherman of Cape Mount County and James Tornola of Margibi County, will be part of the process, since they did not present their credentials and certificates on Monday to the Secretary of Senate, Nanborlor Singhbe.
However, the President of the Senate, Vice President Joseph N. Boakai has cautioned all those whose victories are being challenged to follow all legal proceedings, adding, “Inducting them does not mean there is no legal case against them.”
LINA