MONROVIA, October 21 (LINA) -The Liberian Senate has rejected President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s request seeking additional emergency powers.
The senators argued that there was no need to grant the President additional powers because the first endorsement given her on August 8has not been exhausted.
The decision was taken on Tuesday during the body’s extraordinary sitting, following a motion by Bong County Senator Henry Yallah, through “yea and nay” votes.
Before the motion was made, the lawmakers who voted “yea” pointed out again that several of the measures, including Articles 13, 14 and 15, which deal with religion, free movement and freedom of speech, form part of the earlier resolution on the State of Emergency that is still in effect.
They said the President needs to assess the successes and challenges of the ongoing health emergency crisis at the end of the period, before seeking additional ones that would either end or extend the emergency in the country.
However, senators who “voted nay” on grounds that the President under the state of emergency enjoys certain powers under Articles 86 of the Liberian Constitution, and as such, they can only agree or modify the measures requested.
Article 86, according to Maryland County Senator John Ballout, “gives the President the power, to declare a state of emergency, hold consultation with the Speaker and President Pro-Tempore of the National Legislature, when there exists a present and clear danger to the livelihood and well-being of the citizenry.
Ballout further quoted the Article as saying, “The President may suspend or effec certain rights, freedoms and guarantees contained in this Constitution and exercise such other emergency powers as may be necessary and appropriate to take care of the Emergency.”
On October 10, the body was divided over the President’s letter, with majority calling for the rejection of the document, while a few appealed for its consideration.
LINA WD/PSN/TSS/PTK/JKW