By Whloquoi Yeahgar
ywhloquoi@gmail.com
Monrovia-Bong and Nimba Counties Districts Four Representatives elect have been sworn in as members of the 54th legislature.
The induction of Representatives Gonpue Kargon and Robert Womba comes after separate electoral disputes resulting to court proceedings.
The court following a thorough review mandated the National Elections Commission to certify the two individuals as winners of their respective districts.
In a communication to plenary Tuesday from the NEC, the body acknowledged that it has already declared and certified both Representatives Kargon and Womba as winners.
The investiture of the two newly-certificated lawmakers was in accordance with Chapter 5 of the House’s Rules and Procedures, which says: “each member of the House of Representatives before taking seat, shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend the Constitution and the Laws of the country as well as faithfully discharging the duties and functions of the office as a member of the House of Representatives.”
House Speaker Dr. Bhofal Chambers administered the oath of affirmation to the two Representatives.
“The NEC is pleased to advise that in strict compliance with the Court’s mandate mentioned above, the certification of Messrs Kargon and Womba shall take retroactive effect on January 4, 2018.
Accordingly, you are further advised to ensure that all rights and privileges, inclusive of salaries, emoluments, allowances and other benefits pertaining to the office of Representative are accorded and paid to Messrs Kargon and Womba effective from January 4,” Cllr. Jerome G. Korkoya said.
Following the induction, both Representatives Marvin Cole and Dorwohn Gleekia welcomed their colleagues admonishing them to put the past behind.
Representatives Cole and Gleekia maintained that the confidence reposed in them by the people should be upheld at all time.
It may be recalled that on January 4, 66 Representatives were certificated, because of series of court issues; followed by Representatives Clarence Massaquoi of Lofa County District 3 in January, and Joseph M. Matthews, Jr. of Gbarpolu County District 3, Larry Younquoi of Nimba County District8; Nimba County District 7, Roger S. W. Y. Domah and Joseph Papa Kolleh of Bong County District 7.
