Monrovia – Issues of “procedural error” since the commencement of Justice Kabineh Ja’neh’s impeachment proceedings began, have been raised by legal luminaries in and out of the Legislature.
Again, the Senate raised similar arguments after the transmitter letter that accompanied the Impeachment Bill, from the House of Representatives, was read on the floor.
Prior to the commencement of session on Thursday, August 30, our legislative reporter noticed the presence of members of ECOWAS delegation in the Capitol Building. These ECOWAS members are in the country attending an ongoing regional IT program.
At least seven persons of the regional body paid a courtesy call on the Senate Pro-Tempore. According to sources from the Pro Temp’s Office, Liberia’s West African friends had gone to negotiate a peaceful way to resolve the ongoing legal crisis which involves the impeachment of one of the Justices on the Supreme Court Bench.
When they left Pro Tempore Albert Chie’s Office and walk past people in the hallway, our reporter heard one of them urging his colleagues, “We must do all to meet with the Chief Justice today.”
Back in the Senate, as the transmittal letter accompanying the Impeachment Bill was read, different opinions began to surface from the senators present.
Rated high among some senators’ sentiments was that the proceeding was “ex post facto.’’ The senators mumbled that there were no rules on impeachment proceedings by the 54th Legislature before the House of Representatives began but created a set of rules when they had already begun the process.
Grand Bassa County Senator Nyounblee Karnga-Lawrence motioned the Senate’s leadership to take possession of the impeachment and that actions be taken in accordance with the rules of the Senate on impeachment. Senator Karnga-Lawrence’s motion was voted upon but a motion for reconsideration was filed by Senator Francis Paye of Rivercess County.
“We are about to embark on a very difficult and delegate journey which may put the Senate in a difficult history. The rules of the Senate must be followed for business in the chambers,” the Grand Bassa Senator urged her colleagues.
There was an amendment to the Madam Karnga-Lawrence’s motion. One of the many amendments came from Senator Daniel Naatehn of Gbapolu County. He proffered that contrary to the leadership getting involved, Rule 63 of the Senate be followed to the letter.
“Instead of the leadership, we should flag this portion of our rules so the appropriate steps must be followed. It is a trap for Liberians; the Senate is made of wise men and women. We will save Liberia,” Naatehn added.
Like Senator Naatehn, his colleague from the same county, Senator Armah Jallah, also called on his colleagues to be cautious of the process by removing the leadership as was proffered in the Sen. Karnga-Lawrence’s motion. He urged his colleagues to follow the rules in dealing with the issue.
Senator Conmany Wesseh of River Gee County wants the transmittal letter sent back to the House. As far he’s concerned, there is no Bill of Impeachment before the Senate; adding: “Let the leadership send it back.”
“If we want to do something, we must do it right. This thing sent to us is a letter and not a notice. This is not a rush to do things; we must follow the rules. What is not properly done is not done at all.”
