An ECOWAS Parliamentary delegation visiting Liberia has concluded a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Liberian Senate.
The delegation is in the country to mediate in the leadership crisis that has engulfed the House of Representatives for almost a month now.
Briefing the Senate leadership, the head of the delegation and Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Memounatu Ibrahima, extended warm gratitude from the ECOWAS Parliament to the Liberian Senate for the hospitality accorded the delegation since its arrival in Liberia.
Speaking through an interpreter, the ECOWAS Speaker stated that the presence of the delegation in Liberia is based on a mandate from the ECOWAS Parliamentary body and the ECOWAS Commission.
A Senate release stated that the Speaker of the delegation is in Liberia to seek clarity about the conflict in the House of Representatives and mediate between the two groups for an amicable solution to the long-standing crisis, which is the overall objective of the delegation.
In a special remark, Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude. She informed the visiting delegation that although the Legislature is bicameral with separate rules, what affects the House of Representatives also affects the Senate chambers. Thus, there is a need for peace in the House of Representatives.
She noted that the Liberian Senate shares a similar interest in resolving the crisis, as evidenced by a recent mediation committee set up by the Senate. She expressed hope that the committee would report on or before the end of this week.
Other members of the visiting delegation included Deputy Speaker Barau J. Jibrin, Hon. Ballay G. Tunkara, Hon. Nassirou Bako Arifan, and Hon. K. Bartin Some, among others.
