MONROVIA, October 14 (LINA) - The Senate says “it is ridiculous” for the Receptionist of the Chairman of the Board of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) to refuse a letter from the committee on Foreign Affairs and Transport, citing her boss to appear before the Upper House.

The letter had summoned LAA Board Chairman Binyah Kesselly for inquiries into embargoes placed on Liberians travelling to some African countries, as a result
of the Ebola crisis.

The Senate has accordingly requested Chairman Kesselly to appear before it on Thursday, along with his receptionist, to explain reasons why they should not be held in contempt for stalling the body’s functions.

The Liberia News Agency reports that the Plenary of the Senate unanimously voted on Tuesday, during its extraordinary session, following an oral communication from the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dan Morias, outlining the group’s challenges in finding an amicable solution to the travel restrictions.

He quoted the LAA Chairman’s receptionist as saying “she does not want to lose her job, as her boss had instructed her to receive communications only on Monday, and no later, no matter where it came from.”

The Lawmakers who described the situation as unfortunate, argued that such restriction makes it difficult and even impossible for the body to properly function, as it solely works through committees.

They noted that at this time of national crisis, coupled with restrictions on Liberians to travel, the non-compliance on the part of some officials, if not properly defined, would pose a leadership crisis in the country.

At the same time, the body has lauded Foreign Affairs Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan for showing up during the committee’s session with his entity.

It can be recalled that the body mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs and Transport to delve into issues arising from a communication from Lofa County Senator George Tengbeh, to launch an investigation into travel restrictions placed on Liberians.
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