Monrovia: The Liberian Senate has finally amended its own standing rule 63 which will now guide the senate plenary when proceeding on impeachment matter in conformity with the provisions of the 1986 Constitution.
By Nynatee Togba _nyanteetogba@gmail.com
The amendment of the senate own standing rule comes amidst the impeachment saga against associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh.
The senate prior to its first legislative break received a bill of impeachment from the House of Representative seeking the removal of the Associate Justice.
The amendment of rule 63 witnessed the signature of 21 senators while other senators including Daniel Naatehn of Gbarpolu, NyonbleeKarnga Lawrence of Grand Bassa County, Oscar Cooper of Margibi, Conmany Wesseh of River Gee, and ArmahJallah didn’t sign the amended version of the senate’s revised rule.
Some portion in the amended version will now consider impeachment of any elements to be done as in the case of criminal trial at circuit court in Liberia.
The Senate’s Deputy Secretary Geneve Massaquoi read the report of the senate judiciary committee on the amended impeachment rule.
Meanwhile Gbarpolu County Senator Daniel Naatehn who also didn’t sign the report frowned at his colleague for wrongfully proceeding in the formulation of the rule regarding impeachment proceeding.
The senator told Legislative reporters Tuesday that such impeachment rule should have been done holistically by the National Legislature instead of a particular segment of the legislature.
According to him, such rule being amended will obviously pave the way for the impeachment trial of the associate Justice.
